Crocodile Definition Crocodile Definition 1

Crocodile (noun) — a large reptile living in the water of Africa, Asia, Australia, and the US, and looking like a modern dinosaur. With long bodies and excellent skills in swimming, they are predators that have patience and fast instincts.

Part of speech:
Noun (countable)
Phonetic transcription (IPA):
/ˈkrɒk.ə.daɪl/
CEFR level:
A1
Word frequency:

How to Pronounce “Crocodile”?

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Tips for crocodile pronunciation: 

you need to break the word into three parts, so the first one is krɒk, like “rock,” then are uh and dail

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Examples: How to Use “Crocodile” in a Sentence?

The “crocodile” description above is clear, but to learn it more, you need real-life examples, as this word is not one you can use in random situations.

We bought a new house, and there are crocodiles in the lake.
I heard that a crocodile can pull people into the water!
Crocodiles are wild animals.
Did you see the large teeth of this crocodile?
Our dad plays golf near the river. A crocodile stole his golf ball!

What Are Synonyms for the Word “Crocodile”?

You know the meaning of “crocodile,” but using it in texts ten times is wild. Here, you will learn more terms to use instead of crocodile to make your saying more interesting.

Related nouns: alligator caimans reptile crocodilian

Synonyms (contextual): None, it is a specific noun

Common collocations: catch a crocodile fast crocodile a crocodile bites

“Crocodile” Word Formation and Description in Context

To understand “crocodile” in English, you need to see how this noun combines with other parts of speech to make whole phrases. Here are some of them:

With adjectives: hungry crocodile huge crocodile young crocodile

With verbs: a crocodile swims a crocodile hunts to watch a crocodile

With nouns (noun + noun): crocodile roar crocodile size

Idioms and Phrases with “Crocodile”

Special sayings help you to learn what “crocodile” means in different contexts. Native speakers use them to add color to their speeches, and you can too.

  • Crocodile tears — fake tears someone pushes to act like a victim and receive compassion.

    We caught him in a lie, and he started to whine, but no one believed his crocodile tears.
Crocodile Idioma Crocodile Idioma 1
  • In a while, crocodile — fun way of saying “goodbye” and “see you later.” It can be used in friendly conversations.

    Thank you for your help! In a while, crocodile. See you.
  • Swim with crocodiles — being in a dangerous situation, in mental and physical forms.

    I like the film “Mission: Impossible.” The main character always swims with crocodiles.

Test Your Knowledge of Crocodile Meaning – Quiz Time!

Let’s check how you got the word “crocodile” with our fun exercises! You can test what you remember about synonyms, idioms, and some facts.

Type 1: True/false statements:
Choose the right answer:
1
Crocodiles can swim well.
2
There are no crocodiles on Earth.
3
Crocodiles are predators.
Type 2: Right word order:
Put these sentences in the right order:
1
are
Crocodiles
strong
2
This
green
crocodile
is
3
crocodile
a
small
I
saw
Type 3: Choose the correct option
Select the one closest in meaning to crocodile in English:
1
Stop your crocodile tears and talk to me, please. What are the “crocodile tears” here?
2
I think that an alligator is the strongest animal living in water. “Alligator” is the related noun for…
3
Sometimes, working on a group project feels like swimming with crocodiles. What does this idiom mean?

Enjoy personalized learning!

“Crocodile” Word in Other Languages

Here, you will learn how to say “crocodile” in three world-famous languages and see how they are similar to the English variant you already know.

Language Word for “Crocodile”
Flag Spanish Spanish   Cocodrilo
Flag French French   Crocodile
Flag German German   Krokodil

Did You Know It? Interesting Facts About Crocodiles

You know that crocodiles have large bodies, but what else? Here are some facts that will help you to remember this word.

  • One of the largest crocodiles alive is Cassius.

    An Australian saltwater crocodile has grown to 5.48m long, and it can live over 100 years and weigh over 1,000 kg.
  • Crocodiles eat meat (a lot) and can add fruits to their diet.

    Talking about those reptiles living in the wild, they consume over 2 kilograms of meat daily. However, they also like fruits due to their nutritional value.
  • Crocodiles belong to the same group as dinosaurs.

    They are not actually dinosaurs (sadly), but they are archosaurs, which allows us to think about them as reptiles that are close to those ancient animals.

Famous Quotes Featuring “Crocodile”

Check out how authors use “crocodile” in their books and cartoons. You will learn more about its meaning and variants to use in communication.

“Crocodiles are easy. They try to kill and eat you. People are harder. Sometimes they pretend to be your friends first.”

— Steve Irwin

Explanation: This quote tells us about the nature of people and animals, as the latter can not lie and their desires are clear.

“This little crocodile didn’t like water, because he wasn’t a crocodile at all! He was a dragon!”

— Gemma Merino, “The Crocodile Who Didn’t Like Water”

Explanation: This kid’s book tells a story about a crocodile who didn’t like to play in water or even swim, and he was upset about it. Turns out, he was a dragon, and dragons are not supposed to swim. It means people don’t need to try to fit where they are uncomfortable.

“It is only safe to mock a crocodile when you have crossed the river.”

— Matshona Dhliwayo

Explanation: It is all about the risks, and you can understand it directly: until you are safe, don’t make fun of something that is dangerous.