crocodile: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral, but technical in zoological contexts.
Quick answer
What does “crocodile” mean?
A large, predatory, semiaquatic reptile with a long snout, powerful jaws, a thick hide, and a long tail.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large, predatory, semiaquatic reptile with a long snout, powerful jaws, a thick hide, and a long tail.
1. The skin or leather made from a crocodile. 2. A line of people, especially schoolchildren, walking in pairs. 3. (Slang) A person who feigns sorrow or sympathy insincerely.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK English uses 'crocodile' to describe a line of paired schoolchildren (e.g., 'a crocodile of pupils'). US English does not use this sense; the term 'single-file line' or just 'line' would be used.
Connotations
Similar for the animal and metaphorical uses. The UK-specific 'line' sense is neutral.
Frequency
The animal sense is equally frequent. The 'line' sense is low-frequency even in the UK, somewhat old-fashioned.
Grammar
How to Use “crocodile” in a Sentence
The crocodile [verb] (e.g., waited, lurked, swam).We saw a crocodile [prepositional phrase] (e.g., in the river, on the bank).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crocodile” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The children were told to crocodile to the museum entrance.
American English
- (Rare, usually in creative writing) The old logs seemed to crocodile through the murky water.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial use)
American English
- (No standard adverbial use)
adjective
British English
- She wore expensive crocodile shoes.
American English
- He owned a vintage crocodile wallet.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In luxury goods: 'The handbag is made from genuine crocodile.'
Academic
In zoology/biology: 'The Crocodylidae family diverged from Alligatoridae in the Late Cretaceous.'
Everyday
Talking about animals or holidays: 'We saw a massive crocodile on the boat tour.'
Technical
In herpetology/leatherworking: 'The osteoderms in crocodilian skin provide armor.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crocodile”
- Misspelling: 'crocodille', 'crocadile'.
- Confusing 'crocodile' (pointed V-shaped snout) with 'alligator' (broader U-shaped snout).
- Using the verb 'crocodile' (very rare) in general contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are different families. Key differences: Snout shape (V-shaped for crocs, U-shaped for alligators), visibility of teeth (the fourth tooth on a crocodile's lower jaw is visible when its mouth is closed), and habitat (crocodiles are more tolerant of saltwater).
It means false or insincere tears, an expression of sorrow that is not genuinely felt. The phrase originates from an ancient belief that crocodiles cried while eating their prey.
Yes, but it is very rare. In British English, it can informally mean 'to walk in a line of pairs'. In general English, it is occasionally used poetically or descriptively to mean 'to move like a crocodile'.
In British English, it's /ˈkrɒkədaɪl/ (KROK-uh-dyle). In American English, it's /ˈkrɑːkədaɪl/ (KRAH-kuh-dyle). The main difference is the first vowel sound.
A large, predatory, semiaquatic reptile with a long snout, powerful jaws, a thick hide, and a long tail.
Crocodile is usually neutral, but technical in zoological contexts. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “shed crocodile tears”
- “crocodile smile”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CROCODILE with a big CROCK (pot) for a smile, waddling down a DALE (valley).
Conceptual Metaphor
DANGER IS A LURKING CROCODILE (e.g., 'The economic crisis is a crocodile waiting beneath the surface of the market.').
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is a key physical distinction between a crocodile and an alligator?