gator

Everyday

1. (informal, US) A gator is short for an alligator, a large reptile with strong jaws that lives in rivers and swamps in the southern USA and China. tree →
2. (informal) A small off-road farm or utility vehicle, from a brand name. tree →

In the lessons

Used in US talk, especially Florida and Louisiana, and in stories and nature shows. Safety: never feed or go near gators; stay away from the water's edge in gator areas. Phrases: «watch out for gators», «See you later, alligator — in a while, crocodile».

Examples

• We saw a gator sunning itself by the pond. tree →
• Signs said «Beware of gators». tree →
• The gator slid silently into the water. tree →
• Never swim where gators live. tree →
• The Florida team is called the Gators. tree →
• A baby gator is only as long as a pencil. tree →

Note

Informal clipped form of «alligator». Alligators have wider, U-shaped snouts; crocodiles have narrower, V-shaped snouts. Capital G for a team name.