caiman

American  

[key-muhn] / ˈkeɪ mən /

Also cayman

noun

plural

caimans

1. any of several tropical American crocodilians of the genus Caiman and allied genera: some are endangered.

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caiman British  

/ ˈkeɪmən /

noun

1. a variant spelling of cayman

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Etymology

Origin of caiman

First recorded in 1570–80; from Spanish caimán, from Carib

Example Sentences

What the scientists are not able to prove conclusively is whether this particular, unfortunate terror bird was killed in the attack, or if the caiman scavenged its remains.

From BBC • Jul. 22, 2025

A caiman, a reptile native to Mexico, Central and South America and related to alligators, was recovered from a Philadelphia park Sunday.

From Washington Times • Mar. 9, 2023

When the nearly two-foot reptile was caught days later, it was discovered to be a spectacled caiman, a species of crocodile native to Central and South America.

From New York Times • Feb. 24, 2023

The nature preserve is home to many species of endemic and migratory birds, caiman and turtles.

From Washington Post • Apr. 28, 2022

Under one of the adult caiman’s rear legs, a baby caiman hatches from its egg, and to the left is a coral snake egg.

From "The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian's Art Changed Science" by Joyce Sidman