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

Spiders need live prey like tiny mealworms, cockroaches and fruit flies. —Alina Hartounian, NPR, 29 Sep. 2025

Inspectors found a total of seven live German cockroaches under the two- compartment sink and along the back wall of the soda dispenser. —Sacbee.com, 26 Sep. 2025

Excluding them also keeps out other unwelcome guests such as cockroaches, stinkbugs, and boxelder bugs. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 23 Sep. 2025

Spiders and cockroaches aren’t the only creepy crawly bugs wandering your house in the night. —Katie Nixon, Nashville Tennessean, 23 Sep. 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