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cockroach

American  
[kok-rohch] / ˈkɒkˌroʊtʃ /

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 British  
/ 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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of cockroach

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He consulted his father-in-law, a naturalist, who broke the news to him: “Ladybugs are like cockroaches, but with better presentation.”

From The Wall Street Journal

“I probably shouldn’t say this, but when you see one cockroach, there are probably more,” Dimon said.

From MarketWatch

Have you ever tricked yourself into seeing a non-existent cockroach in your kitchen?

From Salon

Investors are spotting credit “cockroaches” in the financial system, sparking worries about a broader infestation.

From MarketWatch

When the cockroaches start scurrying, the buying opportunities will be excellent.

From MarketWatch

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.