1. a large reptile similar to an alligator, found in Central and South America and the Caribbean
Usage: also spelled 'cayman'; plural: caimans

Examples

• The caiman basked on the riverbank in the tropical sun.
• Caimans are smaller than alligators and have V-shaped snouts.
• We spotted a caiman swimming in the Amazon River during our expedition.
• The spectacled caiman is one of the most common species in South America.
• Caimans hunt fish and small animals at night.
• The wildlife sanctuary protects endangered caiman populations.