roach

1 of 4

noun (1)

plural roach also roaches
1
: a silver-green European freshwater cyprinid fish (Rutilus rutilus)
also : any of various related fishes (such as some shiners)
2
: any of several American freshwater sunfishes (family Centrarchidae)

roach

2 of 4

noun (2)

1
: a curved cut in the edge of a sail to prevent chafing or to secure a better fit
2
: a roll of hair brushed straight back from the forehead or side of the head

roach

3 of 4

verb

roached; roaching; roaches

transitive verb

1
: to cut so that the remainder stands upright
roach a horse's mane
2
: to cause to arch
specifically : to brush (the hair) in a roach
often used with up

roach

4 of 4

noun (3)

1
2
: the butt of a marijuana cigarette

Examples of roach 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.
Noun
Some food wasn’t being held at a safe temperature, equipment and utensils were dirty, and the inspector found several live and dead roaches in the eatery, according to a city of Arlington spokesperson. Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 July 2025 Tenants, who have monthly rent payments of between $1,175 and $1,900, described deplorable living conditions including roaches in refrigerators, feces in pools, and the lack of basic needs such as hot water in winter and air conditioning in summer. Jerry Shnay, Chicago Tribune, 22 July 2025 Similar conditions — including roach infestations, collapsing infrastructure and absent heat and hot water — have also been reported at CBZ’s three Denver properties, though the company has claimed no gang infiltration there. Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 16 July 2025 Besides the unsanitary nature of it all, spilled food will attract kitchen pests like ants, roaches, and mice. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for roach

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English roche, from Anglo-French roche, rosse

Noun (2)

origin unknown

Noun (3)

by shortening

First Known Use

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1794, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1803, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (3)

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of roach was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Roach.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/roach. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

roach

1 of 2 noun
plural roach also roaches
: any of various fishes including some sunfishes and shiners

roach

2 of 2 noun

Medical Definition

roach

noun

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