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

Scientists have been intrigued by the potential of cyborg insects since the 1990s, when researchers began implanting tiny electrodes into cockroach antennae and shocking them to direct their movements. —Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 2 May 2025

The violence, a shocking contrast to the family-friendly events like cockroach races and plant giveaways that had taken place at the university earlier in the day, did not occur on the UC Davis campus. —Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 13 Apr. 2025

Residents have complained about poor living conditions, including issues with cockroaches, mice and other pests and the lack of air conditioning, heat and hot water. —Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 19 Mar. 2025

Sacramento County inspectors recently closed a local Mexican restaurant for cockroaches for the second time in three weeks. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 18 Apr. 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