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 My aversion to pigeons, rats, and cockroaches is somewhat justifiable, given their cultural associations with dirtiness and disease. —

Hannah Seo, The Atlantic, 13 Nov. 2023 This has the bonus effect of deterring moisture-loving mold and other pests like ants and cockroaches. —

Caroline Picard, Good Housekeeping, 30 June 2023 While commuting to other, similarly aseptic indoor spaces—co-working offices, movie theaters, friends’ apartments—I’ll skirt around pigeons, avert my eyes from a gnarly rat, shudder at the odd scuttling cockroach. —

Hannah Seo, The Atlantic, 13 Nov. 2023 Notice that the cockroach has short periods of increase in temperature. —

WIRED, 10 Nov. 2023 While all spiders have some venom, the Joro spider poses a threat to whatever gets caught in its web — which can include butterflies, cockroaches, stink bugs and wasps — but not to humans. —

Alex Sundby, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2023 Many said the housing units are cramped and squalid, with cockroaches scuttling across the floor and a briny water supply that caused rashes. —

Anna Schecter, NBC News, 10 Oct. 2023 The sleeping arrangements have also come into question, as the Insider report quoted one former cast member claiming to have seen cockroaches in their sleeping quarters. —

Emily Longeretta, Variety, 27 Sep. 2023 Your options are limited once a cockroach (and 20 of its relatives) have made a nest in your kitchen cabinets, which is why the best plan is usually to do everything possible to keep them out in the first place. —

Lori Keong, Washington Post, 24 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cockroach.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

by folk etymology from Spanish cucaracha cockroach

First Known Use

1616, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of cockroach was in 1616

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Cockroach.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cockroach. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.

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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