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

But she, and New York Times journalists observing the raid, were soon distracted by a group of cockroaches scurrying past an oil canister. — Zishaan A Latif, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026

Sacramento County Health Inspectors gave a red placard to a local grocery store after finding a cockroach egg sac stuck on a glue trap. — Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Students came together as a community to ask Cook County School District 130 Superintendent and the board of education to take immediate action to eradicate cockroaches, mold, mice and maggots from their schools. — Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026

In the Southeast, warm, wet conditions may extend mosquito and cockroach activity. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 25 Sep. 2026

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