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

Delhi's Chief Justice called some unemployed young Indians cockroaches. — Penny Abeywardena, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

From dead cockroaches to missing certified managers, health inspectors in Missouri and Kansas found numerous violations at Kansas City-area restaurants last week. — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026

Getting into the habit of leaving dirty dishes in the sink provides pests such as German cockroaches, ants, mice, and rats with a constant food source. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 27 July 2026

Dipke's party is the satirical group that has spearheaded the movement, named after a remark by the country’s chief justice of the supreme court comparing some unemployed young people to cockroaches. — ABC News, 23 July 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