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

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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.
The presence of pests such as cockroaches would only lose a restaurant two points, Dietrich pointed out as an example. — David Raynor, Charlotte Observer, 28 Oct. 2026 But for many adults who have something stuck in their ear, the debris is insects, such as ants, beetles, flies or cockroaches. — David Hu, The Conversation, 27 Oct. 2026 The facility had 12 live and dead German cockroaches in the facility. — Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026 Youth used as pawns, BJP says The cockroach movement has emerged as one of the biggest political challenges faced by Modi and his BJP in his 12 years in power. — CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026 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

Phrases Containing cockroach

Rhymes for cockroach

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Browse Nearby Words

cockpit voice recorder
cockroach
cock robin
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Cite this Entry

“Cockroach.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cockroach. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cockroach

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