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Definition of gavial

gavial

/ˈɡeɪ.vi.əl/
ga · vi · al
Plural:gavials
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gavial Lexical Profile

gavial Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A large, critically endangered crocodilian native to the river systems of the northern Indian subcontinent, distinguished by its exceptionally long, narrow snout adapted for catching fish.

Example

"The wildlife documentary highlighted the extensive conservation efforts underway to protect the few remaining gavials in the Chambal River."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for gavial

Word Nuance & Usage

The term 'gavial' is synonymous with 'gharial'. 'Gharial' is now more frequently preferred in modern scientific and conservation contexts, as 'gavial' originated from a historical European misspelling.

• Rhymes for gavial

• Nearby Words

gavarnie
gavarnie falls
gavel
gavial
gawk
gawker
gawkily

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed into English in the late 18th century from French 'gavial', which was an alteration or misreading of the Hindi word 'ghaṛiyāl'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Gavial. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/gavial
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