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

Inspectors consider a variety of factors to determine whether the facility has a potential cockroach infestation, Andrusiak said. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 15 June 2025

The volatile oils that give bay leaves their distinct odor and flavors repel flies, moths, cockroaches, and even mice. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 13 June 2025

Rats, cockroaches, and nepo babies will survive the sixth extinction. —Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 May 2025

Large bags of sugar sat unsealed on the tile floor, where cockroaches scurried around day and night. —Jordan Salama, New Yorker, 5 May 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