cockroach

noun

cock·​roach ˈkäk-ˌrōch How to pronounce cockroach (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for cockroach

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

Cite this Entry

“Cockroach.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cockroach. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

cockroach

noun
cock·​roach -ˌrōch How to pronounce cockroach (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce cockroach (audio)
: any of an order or suborder (Blattodea synonym Blattaria) of chiefly nocturnal insects including some that are domestic pests see blatta, blattella, periplaneta

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