roach

1 of 4

noun (1)

plural roach also roaches
Synonyms of roachnext
1
: a silver-green European freshwater cyprinid fish (Rutilus rutilus)
also : any of various related fishes (such as some shiners)
2
: any of several American freshwater sunfishes (family Centrarchidae)

roach

2 of 4

noun (2)

1
: a curved cut in the edge of a sail to prevent chafing or to secure a better fit
2
: a roll of hair brushed straight back from the forehead or side of the head

roach

3 of 4

verb

roached; roaching; roaches

transitive verb

1
: to cut so that the remainder stands upright
roach a horse's mane
2
: to cause to arch
specifically : to brush (the hair) in a roach
often used with up

roach

4 of 4

noun (3)

1
2
: the butt of a marijuana cigarette

Examples of roach in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The inspector saw a live roach and a dead roach in the facility, some cooked meat that wasn’t being cooled properly and reported that the hot water heater wasn’t working. Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 May 2026 When caseworkers visited the family’s apartment, the workers noted that there were holes in the walls, roaches under the sink, and a foul smell. Larissa MacFarquhar, New Yorker, 28 May 2026 Other violations that temporarily closed seven eateries in Broward and Palm Beach counties included rodent and roach droppings, standing water and improper hand hygiene. Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 27 May 2026 Small mistakes could be to blame for the sudden and persistent arrival of ants, flies, roaches, mice, and other unwelcome visitors. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for roach

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English roche, from Anglo-French roche, rosse

Noun (2)

origin unknown

Noun (3)

by shortening

First Known Use

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1794, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1803, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (3)

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of roach was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Roach.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/roach. Accessed 31 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

roach

1 of 2 noun
plural roach also roaches
: any of various fishes including some sunfishes and shiners

roach

2 of 2 noun

Medical Definition

roach

noun

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