German cockroach

noun

: a small active winged cockroach (Blattella germanica) probably of African origin that is a common household pest in the U.S.

called also Croton bug

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

German cockroach

noun

: a small active cockroach with wings that is probably of African origin but is now common in many city buildings in the U.S.

Medical Definition

German cockroach

noun

Ger·​man cockroach ˌjər-mən- 

: a small active winged cockroach of the genus Blattella (B. germanica) that is probably of African origin and is a common household pest in the United States

called also Croton bug