# crocodile /ˈkɹɑkəˌdaɪɫ/ (US) · /kɹˈɒkədˌaɪl/ (UK) Source: https://englishreference.com/word/crocodile Updated: 2026-08-08 ## Senses ### 1. the reptile noun · CEFR A2 a large, dangerous reptile with a long body, short legs, and very sharp teeth that lives in rivers. For teachers: a large, predatory amphibious reptile of the family Crocodylidae, characterized by a long snout and powerful jaws. - The crocodile waited quietly in the river for a fish to swim past. - Wildlife experts warn that the saltwater crocodile is an apex predator capable of striking with incredible speed from beneath the water's surface. ### 2. a line of people noun · CEFR B2 · British English a long line of people, usually school children, walking two by two. For teachers: a procession of people, typically schoolchildren, walking in pairs in a supervised line. - The teacher led a long crocodile of children across the park to the museum. - A tidy crocodile of primary school students, all dressed in matching yellow raincoats, wound its way through the busy city centre. ### 3. a corrupt person noun · CEFR C1 · Dialect · Informal a person who is very greedy or dishonest, especially a politician. For teachers: a figurative term for a greedy or corrupt individual, specifically applied to public officials. - The protesters called the local politician a crocodile because he took money from the city. - Local journalists often use the term crocodile to describe officials who siphon public funds into their private accounts. Usage: Commonly used in Philippine English to describe political corruption. Teaching tip: This sense is specific to the Philippines; using it elsewhere might cause confusion as it is not a standard global metaphor. ### 4. logical fallacy noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal a tricky argument where every choice leads to a bad result. For teachers: a fallacious dilemma or paradox, historically associated with a story about a crocodile and a stolen child. - The philosopher explained the crocodile argument to show how logic can be confusing. - The 'crocodile' serves as a classic example of a self-referential paradox in ancient logic, challenging the consistency of truth-telling. ### 5. speaking other languages verb · CEFR C2 · Slang to speak a different language instead of Esperanto at an Esperanto meeting. For teachers: to use a national language instead of Esperanto during an Esperanto-focused event. - The group leader told the students not to crocodile during the dinner party. - At the international congress, participants are encouraged to stay in the target language and avoid the temptation to crocodile with their compatriots. Usage: Intransitive verb used exclusively within the Esperanto community. Teaching tip: This is a very niche term used only by Esperanto speakers; it is not used in general English conversation. ## Examples - The crocodile lay still in the muddy water. - Tourists on the boat watched the crocodile float motionless near the riverbank. - The saltwater crocodile is the largest living reptile, capable of ambushing prey with explosive speed despite its seemingly sluggish appearance. --- 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.