alligator pear

American  

noun

1. avocado.

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alligator pear British  

noun

1. another name for avocado

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Etymology

Origin of alligator pear

First recorded in 1755–65; alligator, alteration by folk etymology of Latin American Spanish (Mexico) aguacate ; with reference to the fruit's bumpy skin; avocado

Example Sentences

Once known as the alligator pear, the avocado traces its history to southern Mexico, where the fruit, according to some experts, was first cultivated about 5,000 years ago.

From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 2025

Additionally, the alligator pear contains 20 different vitamins and minerals and is rich in fiber, devoid of cholesterol and sodium, and low in saturated fat and carbohydrates.

From Washington Times • Jul. 15, 2016

A moon was suspended in the sky like a bruised alligator pear.

From Time Magazine Archive

I showed Leah where you could get into the alligator pear tree and she boosted me up.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver

That is how I come to climb up the alligator pear tree when I saw them.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver