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

Some roaches like German cockroaches actually develop a resistance to insecticide, so multiple methods may be needed to get rid of them. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 2026

The process starts when a male and female cockroach find a piece of decaying wood. —Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 13 Apr. 2026

Only then do the cockroaches begin nesting and mating. —Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 13 Apr. 2026

Published in Royal Society Open Science, the research focuses on Salganea taiwanensis, a wood-eating cockroach species that appears to form what scientists call a pair bond — a close, long-term social connection between two individuals that goes beyond a single mating event. —Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 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