cockroach

noun

cock·roach | \ ˈkäk-ˌrōch

Definition of cockroach

: any of an order or suborder (Blattodea synonym Blattaria) of chiefly nocturnal insects including some that are domestic pests — compare German cockroach

Example Sentences Phrases Containing cockroach Learn More About cockroach

Examples of cockroach in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The doctor extracted the dead cockroach in a procedure that took less than five minutes. — Sara Spary, CNN, 13 Jan. 2022 The case that the government is attempting to feed you has a giant cockroach in the middle of the plate. — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 4 Feb. 2022 Email is the cockroach of internet software, invincible. — Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 12 Jan. 2022 Or citing a cockroach problem in the forensic biology section of the lab’s former building. — San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Nov. 2021 Several strikingly original costumes turned heads—from a towering New York City cockroach to a Barbie inside her packaging to a plastic surgery patient in recovery. — Zachary Weiss, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2021 During a night hike in the tropics of Borneo, the photographer observed a bracket fungus releasing masses of spores which caused the refraction of light, while a cockroach feeds. — Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2021 Some insects, such as the cockroach-like Palo Verde beetle, come out only during the monsoon to mate. — Arkansas Online, 4 Sep. 2021 Some insects, such as the cockroach-like Palo Verde beetle, come out only during the monsoon to mate. — Arkansas Online, 4 Sep. 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cockroach.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Cite this Entry

“Cockroach.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cockroach. Accessed 17 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for cockroach

cockroach

noun

cock·roach | \ ˈkäk-ˌrōch

Kids Definition of cockroach

: a black or brown insect that is active chiefly at night and can be a troublesome pest in homes

cockroach

noun

cock·roach | \ ˈkäk-ˌrōch

Medical Definition of cockroach

: any of an order or suborder (Blattodea synonym Blattaria) of chiefly nocturnal insects including some that are domestic pests — see blatta, blattella, periplaneta