iguana

noun

igua·​na i-ˈgwä-nə How to pronounce iguana (audio)
: any of various large chiefly herbivorous usually green or brownish tropical American lizards (family Iguanidae, the iguana family) that have a serrated dorsal crest and large dewlap
broadly : any of various large lizards

Illustration of iguana

Illustration of iguana

Examples of iguana in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Traffic is minimal; instead, monkeys, iguanas, and the occasional jaguar have free reign. Denny Lee, Travel + Leisure, 2 Nov. 2024 The forest itself also has an array of wildlife including squirrel monkeys, iguanas, sloths and more. Celia Fernandez, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2024 The bilingual exhibit will feature live encounters with rainforest animals — including a sloth, a python, an iguana, boa constrictors and tortoises — elaborate environmental displays that show the importance of conservation, and family-friendly activities, organizers said. Tiney Ricciardi, The Denver Post, 10 Oct. 2024 Kate McKinnon's worn a lot of hats: sketch comedian, Saturday Night Live cast member, Weird Barbie, iguana owner. Lizz Schumer, People.com, 1 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for iguana 

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from Arawak & Carib iwana

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of iguana was in 1555

Dictionary Entries Near iguana

Cite this Entry

“Iguana.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/iguana. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

iguana

noun
igua·​na i-ˈgwän-ə How to pronounce iguana (audio)
: any of various large plant-eating tropical American lizards that have a ridge of tall scales along the middle of the back and loose skin hanging below the neck

More from Merriam-Webster on iguana

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