cayman

American

[key-muhn] / ˈkeɪ mən /

noun

plural

caymans

a variant of caiman.

cayman British

/ ˈkeɪmən /

noun

any tropical American crocodilian of the genus Caiman and related genera, similar to alligators but with a more heavily armoured belly: family Alligatoridae (alligators, etc)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of cayman

C16: from Spanish caimán, from Carib cayman, probably of African origin

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Volkswagen's Osnabrueck site currently employs about 2,300 people making the T-Roc Cabriolet as well as the Cayman and Boxster for sister brand Porsche.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

The Cayman Islands, Anguilla and Turks and Caicos are home to 146 species that only live in those territories, and this research expedition should add even more to the list.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

Isaiah Barnes finished with 24 points and Cayman Martin had 20 points.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2026

The company, which is incorporated in the Cayman Islands, said it spent less than $1 million last year on research and development, mostly to pay salaries and benefits.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 27, 2026

The Cayman Islands, surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, has the fewest drownings of all.

From "All The Bright Places" by Jennifer Niven

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023