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

Now, researchers at the University of Queensland in collaboration with the University of New South Wales (UNSW) have taken the idea even further and turned cockroaches into … paraborgs – paramedic cyborgs. — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2026

Others show adults pouring snakes and cockroaches on weeping kids. — Jon Christian, Futurism, 9 Sep. 2026

The kitchen was ordered to close due to a cockroach infestation affecting food. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2026

In 25 trials, the cockroaches completed the course every single time and succeeded at injecting the target 72 percent of the time. — IEEE Spectrum, 5 Sep. 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