crocodile
any of several crocodilians of the genus Crocodylus, found in sluggish waters and swamps of the tropics.
any reptile of the order Crocodylia; crocodilian.
the tanned skin or hide of these animals, used in the manufacture of luggage and accessories, as belts, shoes, and wallets.
Chiefly British. a file of people, especially schoolchildren, out for a walk.
Archaic. a person who makes a hypocritical show of sorrow.
Origin of crocodile
1Other words from crocodile
- croc·o·dil·oid [krok-uh-dil-oid, krok-uh-dahy-loid], /ˌkrɒk əˈdɪl ɔɪd, ˈkrɒk əˌdaɪ lɔɪd/, adjective
Words Nearby crocodile
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use crocodile in a sentence
In between encounters with crocodiles and hippos during their months in Africa, the researchers snorkeled and dived to gather examples of every cichlid they could.
New Fish Data Reveal How Evolutionary Bursts Create Species | Elena Renken | December 1, 2020 | Quanta MagazineMukherjee decided to visit the National Chambal Sanctuary to capture the fight for the survival of these crocodiles.
This crocodile daddy giving 100 babies a ride puts your carpool to shame | María Paula Rubiano A. | October 9, 2020 | Popular-ScienceThey tend to be darker than crocodiles and are less likely to be aggressive.
Let’s learn about alligators and crocodiles | Bethany Brookshire | September 29, 2020 | Science News For StudentsIts features hint that crocodiles may have journeyed from Africa to the Americas.
American crocs seem to descend from kin that crossed the Atlantic | Carolyn Wilke | August 25, 2020 | Science News For StudentsThey are the first footprint evidence that some ancient ancestors of modern crocodiles walked on two legs.
These crocodile ancestors lived a two-legged life | Carolyn Gramling | July 23, 2020 | Science News For Students
Winston Churchill once said “An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile—hoping it will eat him last.”
On another trip, a defiant caiman (a South American crocodile) devours his mosquito net.
One of these heroes is an insect-loving contemporary of Charles Darwin, the other a crocodile-wrestling Steve Irwin acolyte.
The bags themselves were covetable items as ever, relying on highest-quality material: ostrich and crocodile.
Anya Hindmarch and Stella McCartney Close London Fashion Week | Tom Sykes | September 17, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTThe insatiable crocodile of Israeli colonialism is far too fat.
What we shall do if an Indian springs from behind the bushes, or a crocodile comes out of the sedge, I don't know.
The Nursery, July 1873, Vol. XIV. No. 1 | VariousAs they looked toward the spot, the fearful head and jaws of a crocodile could be seen reaching up out of the water.
Alila, Our Little Philippine Cousin | Mary Hazelton WadeNo Indian sprang from the bush, no crocodile came out of the sedge; and the river was crossed without one of them being drowned.
The Nursery, July 1873, Vol. XIV. No. 1 | VariousAll at once, a crocodile appeared close to the boat, capsized it, and with open jaws was ready to devour the man.
Alila, Our Little Philippine Cousin | Mary Hazelton WadeBecause in far distant times he saved the life of a Chinaman from the fury of a crocodile.
Alila, Our Little Philippine Cousin | Mary Hazelton Wade
British Dictionary definitions for crocodile
/ (ˈkrɒkəˌdaɪl) /
any large tropical reptile, such as C. niloticus (African crocodile), of the family Crocodylidae: order Crocodilia (crocodilians). They have a broad head, tapering snout, massive jaws, and a thick outer covering of bony plates
any other reptile of the order Crocodilia; a crocodilian
leather made from the skin of any of these animals
(as modifier): crocodile shoes
British informal a line of people, esp schoolchildren, walking two by two
Origin of crocodile
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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