Cockroach

Pronunciation

Origin

From Spanish cucaracha ("woodlouse"), from cuca ("butterfly caterpillars"), of onomatopoeic origin; see also Greek κόκκυξ and Late Latin cucus. Influenced, via folk etymology, by cock and roach.

Full definition of cockroach

Noun

1. (zoology) A black or brown straight-winged insect of the order Blattodea.
2. (offensive, slang) An unhygienic person or a member of a group of people regarded as unhygienic or rapidly procreating.

Synonyms

• (black or brown insect) roach US