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

In that, the opening movie for Armored Core Last Raven feels particularly pertinent in some of the combat and layout, as well as the beetle/cockroach segment. —Ollie Barder, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

The good news is that ants do not become resistant to insecticides like cockroaches and flies can, says Benson. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 2024

Does thinking about insects like this cockroach give you chills? —Scott Travers, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

In December 2021, authorities in Colombia seized at least 232 tarantulas, 67 cockroaches, nine spider eggs, and a scorpion with seven of its young, all hidden in a suitcase at the El Dorado airport in Bogotá. —Jack Guy, CNN, 20 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

by folk etymology from Spanish cucaracha cockroach

First Known Use

1616, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cockroach

• German cockroach

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