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.
Baking Soda’s Pest-Control Limitations The biggest limitation is that baking soda simply doesn’t work as a cockroach deterrent or control method. — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 16 Aug. 2026 Baking soda mixed with powdered sugar can repel ants and cockroaches. — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 14 Aug. 2026 From rats and mice to cockroaches and pigeons, lots of critters are known to roam New York City’s streets. — Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026 The complaint, filed on behalf of workers by hospitality union UNITE HERE Local 11, claims employees were required to work in environments containing maggots, mold, cockroaches, excessive heat and inadequate supplies such as soap and paper towels. — Denis Akbari, USA Today, 7 Aug. 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

See All Rhymes for cockroach

Browse Nearby Words

cockpit voice recorder
cockroach
cock robin
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cockroach.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cockroach. Accessed 24 Aug. 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

Nglish: Translation of cockroach for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cockroach

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