alligator
word
/ˈæɫəˌɡeɪtɝ/
A-li-gay-dur
/ˈælɪɡˌeɪtɐ/
A-li-gay-tuh
Definition
A large, carnivorous reptile similar to a crocodile, with a broad snout, usually found in the southeastern United States and China.
Usage & Nuances
'Alligator' refers specifically to the species distinct from crocodiles—mainly found in the US and China. In English, 'alligator' and 'crocodile' are different animals. 'See you later, alligator!' is a playful rhyme. Not used in formal writing except for the animal.
Spanish: caimán - aligátorPortuguese (BR): jacaré - aligátorPortuguese (PT): jacaré - aligátorChinese (Simplified): 短吻鳄Chinese (Traditional): 短吻鱷Hindi: मगरमच्छ (विशेष: एलिगेटर)Arabic: تمساح أمريكيBengali: অ্যালিগেটরRussian: аллигаторJapanese: アリゲーターVietnamese: cá sấu mõm ngắn - cá sấu MỹKorean: 앨리게이터Turkish: timsah (alligator) - aligatörUrdu: مگرمچھ (اللیگیٹر مخصوص قسم)Indonesian: alligator - buaya aligator
Example Sentences
A baby alligator is called a hatchling.
basic
People can see alligators at the zoo.
basic
Don't get too close—that alligator looks hungry!
natural
As kids, we used to pretend sticks were alligators when playing outside.
natural
"See you later, alligator!" she shouted as she left.
natural
The alligator lives in the swamp.
basic