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

With over 50 vendors, cockroach races, art from the Riverside Arts Council, storytime with the Library, tips on starting a bug collection, and the Wyland Foundation's Clean Water Mobile Learning Experience, the Earth Day celebration has something for all ages. —Julie Sharp, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026

Inspectors observed a dead cockroach in the kitchen hand sink. —Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 2026

Live and dead cockroaches, as well as egg cases, were found in the kitchen area. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 17 Apr. 2026

Some roaches like German cockroaches actually develop a resistance to insecticide, so multiple methods may be needed to get rid of them. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 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