Crocodile vs. Alligator — What's the Difference?

A large aquatic reptile with a V-shaped snout, belonging to the family Crocodylidae.

An animal whose upper teeth cover the lower ones when its mouth is shut.

A creature known for its formidable strength and often found in saltwater habitats.

A large aquatic reptile with a U-shaped snout, primarily found in the U.S. and China.

An ancient reptile that has existed for millions of years and is found globally.

A member of the family Alligatoridae, mostly residing in freshwater habitats.

A carnivorous animal with powerful jaws and sharp teeth.

A reptilian carnivore known for its armored body and strong tail.

Crocodiles (family Crocodylidae) or true crocodiles are large semiaquatic reptiles that live throughout the tropics in Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australia. The term crocodile is sometimes used even more loosely to include all extant members of the order Crocodilia, which includes the alligators and caimans (family Alligatoridae), the gharial and false gharial (family Gavialidae), and all other living and fossil Crocodylomorpha.

An alligator is a crocodilian in the genus Alligator of the family Alligatoridae. The two extant species are the American alligator (A. mississippiensis) and the Chinese alligator (A. sinensis).

Any of various large aquatic reptiles of the family Crocodylidae that are native to tropical and subtropical regions and have thick, armorlike skin and long tapering jaws.

Either of two large semiaquatic reptiles, Alligator mississipiensis of the southeast United States or A. sinensis of China, having sharp teeth and powerful jaws. They differ from crocodiles in having a broader, shorter snout.

A crocodilian reptile, such as an alligator, caiman, or gharial.

Leather made from the hide of one of these reptiles.

Leather made from crocodile skin.

A tool or fastener having strong, adjustable, often toothed jaws.

Chiefly British A line of people, especially pupils or choir members, standing two abreast.

Either of two species of large amphibious reptile, Alligator mississippiensis or Alligator sinensis, in the genus Alligator within order Crocodilia, which have sharp teeth and very strong jaws and are native to the Americas and China, respectively.

Any of the predatory amphibious reptiles of the family Crocodylidae; (loosely) a crocodilian, any species of the order Crocodilia, which also includes the alligators, caimans and gavials.

(paleontology) A member of the family Alligatoridae, which includes the caimans.

A long line or procession of people (especially children) walking together.

(Nigeria) dwarf crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis)

(logic) A fallacious dilemma, mythically supposed to have been first used by a crocodile.

(formerly) Applied to any species of crocodile.

(intransitive) To speak one's native language at an Esperanto-language gathering, rather than Esperanto.

Any of various machines with strong jaws, one of which opens like the movable jaw of an alligator.

A large reptile of the genus Crocodilus, of several species. They grow to the length of sixteen or eighteen feet, and inhabit the large rivers of Africa, Asia, and America. The eggs, laid in the sand, are hatched by the sun's heat. The best known species is that of the Nile (Crocodilus vulgaris, or Crocodilus Niloticus). The Florida crocodile (Crocodilus Americanus) is much less common than the alligator and has longer jaws. The name is also sometimes applied to the species of other related genera, as the gavial and the alligator.

(metalworking) A form of squeezer for the puddle ball.

A fallacious dilemma, mythically supposed to have been first used by a crocodile.

(mining) A rock breaker.

Large voracious aquatic reptile having a long snout with massive jaws and sharp teeth and a body covered with bony plates; of sluggish tropical waters

(printing) A kind of job press.

A reptile that displays visible interlocking teeth when its mouth is closed.

Any of various vehicles that have relatively long, low noses in front of a cab or other, usually windowed, structure.

(obsolete) One who binds or ties.

To crack in a pattern resembling an alligator's skin.

Used in a common chronometric counting scheme, in which the speaker counts out loud, saying the word "alligator" between the numbers so that each number is spoken approximately one second after the last one.

A large carnivorous reptile of the Crocodile family, peculiar to America. It has a shorter and broader snout than the crocodile, and the large teeth of the lower jaw shut into pits in the upper jaw, which has no marginal notches. Besides the common species of the southern United States, there are allied species in South America.

Any machine with strong jaws, one of which opens like the movable jaw of an alligator

To form shallow cracks in a reticulated pattern on the surface, or in a coating on the surface, of an object.

Leather made from alligator's hide

Either of two amphibious reptiles related to crocodiles but with with shorter broader snouts

Of paint, varnish, or the like: to crack and acquire the appearance of alligator hide, as from weathering or improper application

A creature less aggressive than crocodiles but still considered a top predator in its ecosystem.

The crocodile has a V-shaped snout and is found globally, while the alligator has a U-shaped snout and is mainly found in the U.S. and China.

Crocodiles are found in various parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and the Americas, while alligators are more localized.

While crocodiles are often found in saltwater habitats, alligators predominantly reside in freshwater.

Yes, while alligator attacks on humans do occur, they're typically less frequent and often result from provocation, whereas crocodiles are more aggressive.

The alligator has a broader, U-shaped snout, while the crocodile has a narrower, V-shaped snout.

Generally, crocodiles are considered more aggressive towards humans than alligators.

With a crocodile, both upper and lower teeth are visible when its mouth is closed, while in an alligator, usually only the upper teeth show.

Yes, crocodiles have special glands that excrete salt, allowing them to live in saltwater environments, while alligators have these glands but they're less functional.

Yes, in places like Florida, both crocodiles and alligators can be found, although they generally inhabit different areas.

While fully grown crocodiles and alligators have few natural predators, their eggs and young can be preyed upon by various animals.

No, while alligators are primarily found in the southeastern U.S., they're also found in a small region in China. Crocodiles have a wider distribution.

Both crocodiles and alligators have ancient lineages, but crocodiles are believed to have appeared earlier than alligators in evolutionary history.

Both crocodiles and alligators are carnivores, feeding on fish, birds, and mammals. However, the specific prey can vary based on size and location.

Yes, both crocodiles and alligators have been subjects of conservation efforts due to habitat loss and hunting.

Yes, both crocodiles and alligators are kept in captivity for conservation, research, and educational purposes.