roach

1 of 4

noun (1)

plural roach also roaches
1
: a silver-green European freshwater cyprinid fish (Rutilus rutilus)
also : any of various related fishes (such as some shiners)
2
: any of several American freshwater sunfishes (family Centrarchidae)

roach

2 of 4

noun (2)

1
: a curved cut in the edge of a sail to prevent chafing or to secure a better fit
2
: a roll of hair brushed straight back from the forehead or side of the head

roach

3 of 4

verb

roached; roaching; roaches

transitive verb

1
: to cut so that the remainder stands upright
roach a horse's mane
2
: to cause to arch
specifically : to brush (the hair) in a roach
often used with up

roach

4 of 4

noun (3)

1
2
: the butt of a marijuana cigarette

Examples of roach in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Soon after, state inspectors visited the property and confirmed the presence of roaches along with other compliance issues, according to the California State Treasurer’s Office. Ryan MacAsero, The Mercury News, 26 May 2024 Six places were closed for serious health violations and live roaches were seen at multiple restaurants in the latest Fort Worth health inspections, according to city data. Nicole Lopez, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 May 2024 In the United States, there are five common roach species, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Jacqueline Pinedo, Sacramento Bee, 16 May 2024 Another roach moseyed across a kitchen food prep table. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 5 May 2024 Spotting roaches in of your home is less than desirable. Jacqueline Pinedo, Sacramento Bee, 16 May 2024 Denver apartments’ unreliable water taps, roach infestations and overflowing garbage spur change in Colorado law But the ballot measures may not be a slam dunk. Nick Coltrain, The Denver Post, 15 May 2024 During another federal monitor inspection, visitors found unsanitary conditions including live roaches, ants, water bugs, fruit flies, gnats, and mouse droppings. Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 9 May 2024 For those watching the livestream, the focal point of Cynthia Erivo’s Thom Browne skirt suit may have been the pink flower petals, but a quick zoom revealed tiny beaded ladybugs, butterflies, and roaches. Scroll through for best buggy looks from the 2024 Met Gala below. Irene Kim, Vogue, 7 May 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'roach.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English roche, from Anglo-French roche, rosse

Noun (2)

origin unknown

Noun (3)

by shortening

First Known Use

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1794, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1803, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (3)

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of roach was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near roach

Cite this Entry

“Roach.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/roach. Accessed 1 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

roach

1 of 2 noun
plural roach also roaches
: any of various fishes including some sunfishes and shiners

roach

2 of 2 noun

Medical Definition

roach

noun

More from Merriam-Webster on roach

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