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

Around 12,000 years ago, when humans began building large settlements that expanded into cities such as Mesopotamia, the number of bed bugs also increased, the study said, adding that the creatures, which live in furniture and feed off blood, predate rats and cockroaches as domestic pests. —Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 28 May 2025

As to whether bed bugs or cockroaches will be most successful as life on Earth dwindles, entomologists can't say. —Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 28 May 2025

Sacramento County gas stations closed for cockroaches, rodent droppings Mack Road Shell, 6490 Mack Road in Sacramento, was cited for 11 health violations on Thursday, May 15. —Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 23 May 2025

While the essential oils and extracts distilled from citrus peels are effective at repelling insects ranging from carpenter ants to cockroaches, these compounds only work when applied in high concentrations, much higher than what is present in the peel itself. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Apr. 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