German cockroach

noun

: a small active winged cockroach (Blattella germanica) probably of African origin that is a common household pest in the U.S.

called also Croton bug

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of German cockroach was in 1896

Dictionary Entries Near German cockroach

Cite this Entry

“German cockroach.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/German%20cockroach. Accessed 26 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

German cockroach

noun
: a small active cockroach with wings that is probably of African origin but is now common in many city buildings in the U.S.

Medical Definition

German cockroach

noun
Ger·​man cockroach ˌjər-mən- How to pronounce German cockroach (audio)
: a small active winged cockroach of the genus Blattella (B. germanica) that is probably of African origin and is a common household pest in the United States

called also Croton bug

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