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

After her death, investigators found the girl's asthma equipment in the home and stated it was not properly maintained and that a respiratory mask was found with cockroaches, the DA said. — Jose Fabian, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

At the hospital, an insect fell from the girl’s shoe, and a staffer saw a cockroach crawling on her, the district attorney’s office said. — Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026

Three live cockroaches were on boxes of to-go bags behind the counter. — Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026

The contraption resembled a giant mechanical cockroach with claws at the tips of its antennae. — Ben Taub, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

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