# cayman

/ˈkeɪmən/ (US) · /kˈeɪmən/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cayman
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a large reptile that looks like a crocodile or alligator and lives in Central and South America.

For teachers: a semi-aquatic crocodilian reptile belonging to the subfamily Caimaninae, native to Central and South America. Often distinguished from alligators by the lack of a bony septum between the nostrils.

## Examples

- The cayman rests on the river bank in the sun.
- During the boat tour, we spotted a black cayman camouflaged among the reeds along the river's edge.
- Ecologists monitor the cayman population as a key indicator of the health of the Amazonian wetlands, noting how seasonal flooding affects their nesting patterns.

## Usage notes

- The spelling 'caiman' is more common in modern scientific and general contexts than the variant 'cayman'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.