VocabularyBasePractice words

Meaning & use

alligator clip

noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈælɪɡeɪtə ˌklɪp/
US/ˈælɪɡeɪtər ˌklɪp/

Meanings

  1. nouncountabletechnical

    a small metal clip with two spring-loaded jaws, used to hold wires or connect electrical circuits temporarily.

    Grammar: Countable: one alligator clip, two alligator clips. Often used in the plural for a pair.

    Patterns

    • attach an alligator clip
    • an alligator clip to something
    • a pair of alligator clips

    He attached an alligator clip to the battery terminal and checked the reading.

    The technician used alligator clips to join the two wires for the test.

    Keep a few alligator clips in the toolbox; they are handy for quick repairs.

  2. nouncountable

    a similar spring clip used to hold papers, fabric, or hair together.

    Grammar: Countable; the context usually shows whether it is for electricity or for holding things.

    Patterns

    • hold something with an alligator clip
    • an alligator clip in someone's hair

    She fastened the fabric with an alligator clip while she sewed.

    The hairdresser separated each section with a small alligator clip.

Word forms

pluralalligator clips

Common combinations

attach an alligator clip
Attach an alligator clip to each end of the wire.
a pair of alligator clips
Buy a pair of alligator clips for the science project.
alligator clip lead
The meter comes with a red and a black alligator clip lead.
connect with alligator clips
Connect the bulb to the battery with alligator clips.
insulated alligator clip
Use insulated alligator clips to avoid a shock.

Synonyms and how they differ

crocodile clip
Crocodile clip is the common British name for the same tool; alligator clip is more usual in American English.
spring clip
Spring clip is a broader term for any clip worked by a spring, including ones that do not have the alligator shape.

Word family

clip noun
a small object that holds things together.
alligator noun
a large reptile with a long body and strong jaws; the clip is named after its mouth.

Commonly confused: alligator clip or paper clip?

alligator clip vs paper clip

A paper clip is a simple bent wire for holding sheets of paper; an alligator clip has spring jaws and is often used for electrical work.

Practice

A student wants to join two wires to a battery for a quick experiment. Which sentence is best?

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “alligator clip”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Your sentence stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.

Explore more words