-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
German cockroach
noun
: a small active winged cockroach (Blattella germanica) probably of African origin that is a common household pest in the U.S.
called also Croton bug
Word History
First Known Use
1896, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near German cockroach
Cite this Entry
“German cockroach.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/German%20cockroach. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
German cockroach
noun
: a small active cockroach with wings that is probably of African origin but is now common in many city buildings in the U.S.
Medical Definition
German cockroach
noun
Ger·man cockroach
ˌjər-mən-
: a small active winged cockroach of the genus Blattella (B. germanica) that is probably of African origin and is a common household pest in the United States
called also Croton bug
More from Merriam-Webster on German cockroach
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about German cockroach
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share