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

One filled with phone booths and newsstands and Gray’s Papaya on practically every grimy street corner — a New York where getting your bicycle ripped off was almost as much a rite of passage as stomping on your first cockroach. —Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 5 Mar. 2026

Inspectors located several dead cockroaches in a sump pump room in basement prep area, as well as one dead roach and potentially a live roach in the main kitchen, according to the health department. —Kelli Arseneau, jsonline.com, 3 Mar. 2026

Inspectors found dead cockroaches in the corners of a back storage area and underneath a three-compartment sink. —Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Feb. 2026

Meanwhile, 19 eateries received yellow placards for health code violations ranging from dying cockroaches to pink slime in the soda gun nozzle. —Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 27 Feb. 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