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

Freeland said the problem was fixed and the restaurant was up and running by the next morning. 7-Eleven, Vietnamese restaurant cited for cockroaches, slime 7-Eleven, 7700 La Riviera Drive in Sacramento, had eight violations on Thursday, July 10. —Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado july 18, Sacbee.com, 18 July 2025

When a landlord rents an apartment, Pennsylvania law mandates that apartment must be habitable and free of hazards such as mold, cockroaches and dangerous dilapidation. —Gabriel L. Schwartz, The Conversation, 17 July 2025

The recent study, conducted by Oxi Fresh, a carpet cleaning company, graded each metro area based on several key indicators of cleanliness, including air and water quality, rodent and cockroach infestation, litter and vandalism, and population density. —Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025

Wow Pho & Steak Restaurant at 2801 W. Ball Road, Suite 15-A, Anaheim, which was ordered closed June 25 because of a cockroach infestation, was allowed to reopen July 3. —Ian Wheeler, Oc Register, 4 July 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