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

An additional six facilities were cited for food safety violations ranging from cockroaches to mold and dirty cooking pans. —Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 16 May 2025

In the clips, what appears to be multiple cockroaches crawl up various parts of the interior, including up the walls and on a seat. —Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 14 May 2025

The absence of privacy was maddening, and the tenants were constantly smashing the cockroaches in the kitchen with their slides. —Jordan Salama, New Yorker, 5 May 2025

References to the insect were abundant at the company’s old headquarters in London, where a picture of a cockroach was prominently displayed on the wall. —Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 5 May 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