cockroach

noun

cock·​roach ˈkäk-ˌrōch How to pronounce cockroach (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for cockroach

Word History

Etymology

by folk etymology from Spanish cucaracha cockroach

First Known Use

1616, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cockroach was in 1616

Cite this Entry

“Cockroach.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cockroach. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

cockroach

noun
cock·​roach -ˌrōch How to pronounce cockroach (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce cockroach (audio)
: any of an order or suborder (Blattodea synonym Blattaria) of chiefly nocturnal insects including some that are domestic pests see blatta, blattella, periplaneta

More from Merriam-Webster on cockroach

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