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

The document did not say how many cockroaches were seen or removed. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 2025

Earlier this summer, a TikTok went viral after a Spirit Airlines passenger shared her experience of finding cockroaches crawling around on the bulkhead near her seat. —Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 5 Aug. 2025

No health permit was posted in the establishment, and a small German cockroach was seen in the restroom. —Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2025

Similarly, termites, which are a kind of cockroach, break down old trees and are vital to tropical forest health. —Madeline Bodin, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 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