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

Entomologists speculate that the Turkestan cockroach landed in the United States by way of military equipment coming from the Middle East. — Kayla Moeller, CBS News, 24 June 2026

Types of roaches Hayes said people will most likely come across peridomestic cockroaches like the smokybrown cockroach. — Eva Flowe june 23, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2026

Sacramento County Health Inspectors gave four Sacramento-area facilities red placards for health food violations including finding 38 German cockroaches and a lack of hot water. — Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado june 19, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2026

Indeed, there is a lot of Blattabacterium DNA in cockroach species. — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 16 June 2026

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