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

Credit concerns and “cockroaches” were the focus of investors as banks kicked off third-quarter earnings.

Read more on MarketWatch

So it is hardly surprising that investors are concerned that more “cockroaches” — as JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Read more on MarketWatch

"I probably shouldn't say this, but when you see one cockroach, there are probably more."

Read more on BBC

South Korean police said they would seek an arrest warrant for a woman who set fire to her apartment building while trying to kill a cockroach with an improvised flamethrower, local media report.

Read more on BBC

Even if there aren’t any more cockroaches, the credit scare could still put a damper on the economy.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• ant 
• aphid 
• bee 
• beetle 
• butterfly 
• dragonfly 
• flea 
• fruit fly 
• gnat 
• grasshopper 
• ladybug 
• mite 
• mosquito 
• moth 
• pest 
• spider 
• termite 
• tick