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

Not for long, though—heat brings more ants and cockroaches inside. —Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Mar. 2025

In 1999, the computer scientist Jaron Lanier imagined a time capsule that could preserve human knowledge by inserting it into cockroaches’ genomes. —Matthew Hutson, The New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2025

The hot pot restaurant was shut down after Sacramento County health inspectors discovered a cockroach infestation. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacramento Bee, 28 Feb. 2025

During my first playthrough, that enemy is an angry centipede that looks a bit like Romina, Saint of the Bud mixed with the cockroach alien from Men in Black. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 13 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