cockroach

noun

cock·​roach ˈkäk-ˌrōch 

: 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

Rats, cockroaches and piles of trash are frequent sights for some neighbors living near Pulaski Park on South 15th Place on Milwaukee’s south side. —Alyssa N. Salcedo, jsonline.com, 1 Dec. 2025

Sacramento catering company closed due to cockroaches Hannibal’s Catering, 8141 37th Ave. —Sacbee.com, 27 Nov. 2025

The trailer was filled with the scent of ammonia, feces, trash and cockroaches. —Kelly Puente, Nashville Tennessean, 25 Nov. 2025

The restaurant has been equipped to properly sanitize utensils, and both the inspection and most recent pest control reports showed no evidence of cockroach infestation. —Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 25 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

by folk etymology from Spanish cucaracha cockroach

First Known Use

1616, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cockroach

• German cockroach

Rhymes for cockroach

• approach
• encroach
• reproach
• stagecoach
• broach
• coach
• loach
• poach
• roach
• roche

Kids Definition

cockroach

noun

cock·​roach -ˌrōch 

: 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 

: any of an order or suborder (Blattodea synonym Blattaria) of chiefly nocturnal insects including some that are domestic pests see blatta, blattella, periplaneta