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.
According to researchers, one of the biggest engineering challenges was getting the cockroaches into the correct position for an injection. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026 Inspectors observed a couple dead cockroaches underneath shelvings. — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Aug. 2026 Inspectors observed no cockroach activity during their third visit. — Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026 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 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 1 Sep. 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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