cockroach

[ kok-rohch ]

noun

1. any of numerous orthopterous insects of the family Blattidae, characterized by a flattened body, rapid movements, and nocturnal habits and including several common household pests.

cockroach

/ ˈkɒkˌrəʊtʃ /

noun

1. any insect of the suborder Blattodea (or Blattaria ), such as Blatta orientalis ( oriental cockroach or black beetle ): order Dictyoptera . See also German cockroach mantis

Word History and Origins

Origin of cockroach¹

1615–25; < Spanish cucaracha, of uncertain origin, assimilated by folk etymology to cock ¹, roach ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of cockroach¹

C17: from Spanish cucaracha, of obscure origin

Example Sentences

In his building, the Baltimore Hotel, Stabolito has photos of cockroach droppings lining doors, mold-like spores dotting walls and a dead rat in a neighbor’s room.

From Los Angeles Times

In the lead up to the Rwandan genocide, Tutsis became used to being called snakes and cockroaches.

From Salon

Other areas of the plant were also riddled with bugs, including what appeared to be “ants traveling down the wall” along with a beetle and a cockroach, inspectors said.

From Salon

And humans are not the only inmates here: mice and cockroaches are rife.

From BBC

It's understandable why, when someone sees a cockroach, they reach for the bug spray.

From Salon

Related Words

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• aphid
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• beetle
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• gnat
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• moth
• pest
• spider
• termite
• tick