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

Health inspectors discovered 77 dead German cockroaches as well as six live cockroaches and two dying roaches in various areas, including near the water heater room and on and in the dry food storage room. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2025

In one case, though, a code inspector found multiple problems inside one of the motel rooms, including live cockroaches and lack of a smoke detector. —Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Oct. 2025

Then, the cockroaches ran free. —Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2025

If the food— ants, termites, cockroaches or whatever—are eliminated, spiders will find somewhere else to live. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 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