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

To prevent roaches, keep stove tops, counters and floors clean of grease and food; repair any plumbing leaks; seal cracks and holes near doors, windows and other areas of the home; and always keep an eye out for signs of cockroaches, which can include eggs, droppings and shed skins. —Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025

Several live cockroaches seen beside and under ice machine). —Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 24 Oct. 2025

Yonhap reported that the apartment fire allegedly began when the suspect allegedly used a lighter and hairspray to try and kill a cockroach inside her apartment, according to police. —Sean Neumann, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025

Tenants complained publicly for months about living among rats, mice, cockroaches and bed bugs. —Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2025

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