Meaning & use
alligators
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“alligators” is a form of “alligator”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
nounplural
large reptiles with wide snouts, thick armor-like skin, and powerful jaws, found in the southern US and China.
Grammar: Plural of 'alligator'. Use 'an alligator' for one and 'alligators' for more than one.
Patterns
- a group of alligators
- alligators in the wild
We saw several alligators sunning themselves on the bank of the river.
Alligators are often confused with crocodiles, but their snouts are broader.
The zoo has a new exhibit featuring baby alligators.
Word forms
| singular | alligator |
|---|
Common combinations
- see an alligator
- Visitors to the swamp hope to see an alligator up close.
- alligator skin
- Her boots were made of alligator skin and very expensive.
- alligator farm
- The alligator farm raises the animals for their meat and hides.
- a group of alligators
- A group of alligators was resting near the water's edge.
Synonyms and how they differ
- crocodile
- Use 'crocodile' for the related reptile with a narrower, more pointed snout; alligators have a wider, U-shaped snout.
- caiman
- A caiman is a smaller relative found in Central and South America; it is not usually called an alligator.
Word family
- alligator noun
- Singular form; one reptile.
Commonly confused: alligators or crocodile?
alligators vs crocodile
Alligators and crocodiles look similar, but alligators are darker and have broader snouts. Crocodiles are more aggressive and live in saltwater as well as fresh water.
Practice
Which sentence uses the plural 'alligators' correctly?
Choose one answer.
The plural of 'alligator' is 'alligators', so 'two alligators' is correct. 'Alligator' is singular; 'alligatores' and 'alligatorses' are not real English forms.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “alligators”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.