NYT Dictionary

ALLIGATOR

/ˈæl.ɪ.ɡeɪ.tɚ/
NounVerbInterjectionAL-li-ga-toral-li-ga-tor · 4 syllablesGrade 1

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2021, 2024

Meaning

Either of two species of large amphibious reptile, Alligator mississippiensis or Alligator sinensis, in the genus Alligator within order Crocodilia, which have sharp teeth and very strong jaws and are native to the Americas and China, respectively.

Etymology

Origin: Latin

] From early Modern English alligater, alligarta, aligarto, alegarto, alagarto, from Spanish el lagarto (“the lizard”), from Latin lacertus (“lizard”), modern spelling possibly influenced by the unrelated Latin alligator (“one who binds”).

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

gatorchameleoncrackdinosaurdragonreptilereptiliantortoise

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 1 recorded puzzle, including a pangram:

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