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

All of the other pairs completed the mission, which saw cockroaches, crickets, mealworms, tailless whip scorpions and snakes crawl all over them. —Dana Rose Falcone, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025

For each submission, the zoo will name a Madagascar hissing cockroach in an ex's honor. —Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 10 Feb. 2025

Pizza shop closed for cockroach infestation Luccas Pizzeria, 400 12th St. in Sacramento, had 11 violations on Thursday, Jan. 30. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacramento Bee, 7 Feb. 2025

Researchers in Australia are putting electronic backpacks onto burrowing cockroaches to help search for victims of earthquakes and other disasters. —Alexandra Banner, CNN, 5 Dec. 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

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