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

Two dead cockroaches were also on a wall behind a wire rack holding the dishes. —Stephanie Lam, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2025

About 35 dead and dying cockroaches were on glue traps in the kitchen and in storage spaces. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2025

The lab has also built robots inspired by cockroaches and fish. —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 18 Mar. 2025

Eleven other restaurants and markets, including The Cheesecake Factory and Fire Wings locations in Sacramento, received citations for food safety violations ranging from mold to rodent droppings to cockroaches. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacramento Bee, 21 Feb. 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