cockroach

noun

cock·​roach ˈkäk-ˌrōch How to pronounce cockroach (audio)
: any of an order or suborder (Blattodea synonym Blattaria) of chiefly nocturnal insects including some that are domestic pests compare german cockroach

Examples of cockroach 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.
Inspectors observed a dead cockroach in the corner of the walk-in cooler. Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 July 2026 General pest control services come quarterly and treat more than 20 common household pests, like ants, cockroaches, beetles, fleas, ticks and more. Alora Bopray, USA Today, 1 July 2026 Perhaps a part-robot, part-insect giant cockroach capable of diving underwater for as much as three hours at a time. Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 1 July 2026 Worms, frogs, crayfish, insects such as grubs, cockroaches and beetles, snakes, birds, mice, fruit, nuts, pet food, and compost are all on the menu for opossums. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cockroach

Word History

Etymology

by folk etymology from Spanish cucaracha cockroach

First Known Use

1616, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cockroach was in 1616

Cite this Entry

“Cockroach.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cockroach. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

cockroach

noun
cock·​roach -ˌrōch How to pronounce cockroach (audio)
: any of an order of quick-moving insects that have long antennae and leathery forewings, are mainly nocturnal, and include pests of human dwellings

Medical Definition

cockroach

noun
cock·​roach ˈkäk-ˌrōch How to pronounce cockroach (audio)
: any of an order or suborder (Blattodea synonym Blattaria) of chiefly nocturnal insects including some that are domestic pests see blatta, blattella, periplaneta

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