'alligator' originates from Spanish, specifically the word 'el lagarto', where 'el' meant 'the' and 'lagarto' meant 'lizard'.

'el lagarto' transformed into the English word 'alligator' through adaptation and eventually became the modern English word 'alligator'.

Initially, it meant 'lizard', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a large reptile'.