crocodile clip: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical, Informal
Quick answer
What does “crocodile clip” mean?
A small metal clasp with serrated jaws, opened and closed by a spring, used to make a temporary electrical connection.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small metal clasp with serrated jaws, opened and closed by a spring, used to make a temporary electrical connection.
Any similar small spring-loaded clip with serrated jaws, sometimes used for non-electrical purposes like holding papers or bags closed.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'crocodile clip' is standard in British English. In American English, the more common term is 'alligator clip', though 'crocodile clip' is understood.
Connotations
Identical in meaning; the difference is purely lexical. In technical contexts globally, 'alligator clip' is often dominant.
Frequency
'Crocodile clip' is high-frequency in UK technical/school contexts. In the US, 'alligator clip' is vastly more frequent.
Grammar
How to Use “crocodile clip” in a Sentence
Attach [the wire] to [the battery] with a crocodile clip.Use a crocodile clip to connect [component A] and [component B].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crocodile clip” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Engineers often crocodile-clip the probe to the terminal. (informal/rare)
American English
- You can alligator-clip the leads for a quick test. (informal/rare)
adjective
British English
- The crocodile-clip connector came loose.
American English
- He used an alligator-clip attachment.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in procurement for electrical components.
Academic
Used in physics/engineering lab reports and electronics courses.
Everyday
Used in DIY, hobbyist electronics, or school science projects.
Technical
Core term in electronics, electrical engineering, and prototyping.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “crocodile clip”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “crocodile clip”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crocodile clip”
- Misspelling as 'crocodile clip'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I crocodile clipped the wire' is non-standard).
- Confusing it with a 'bulldog clip' (which is for paper).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Technically, some suppliers distinguish them by jaw shape (crocodile: tapered; alligator: straight), but in common usage, especially between UK/US, they are synonyms for the same basic tool.
No, they are designed for temporary connections, testing, and prototyping. Permanent wiring should be soldered or use screw terminals.
The serrated (toothed) jaws of the clip resemble a crocodile's mouth, and the spring action mimics a biting motion.
They range from miniature (a few millimetres) for delicate electronics to large clips capable of handling high currents, often colour-coded (red/black) for polarity.
A small metal clasp with serrated jaws, opened and closed by a spring, used to make a temporary electrical connection.
Crocodile clip is usually technical, informal in register.
Crocodile clip: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrɒk.ə.daɪl ˌklɪp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkrɑː.kə.daɪl ˌklɪp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a tiny, hungry crocodile clamping its toothy jaws onto a wire to 'eat' the electricity.
Conceptual Metaphor
TOOL IS AN ANIMAL (its jaws bite/grip).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common American English equivalent for 'crocodile clip'?