roach

n. a common name for a cockroach, a small brown insect often found in houses.

n. a common synonym for the cockroach, particularly in American English.

“We had to call an expert because we found a roach in the kitchen.”

“The tenant complained that the apartment was infested with roaches, demanding a professional exterminator be sent immediately.”

American English · Informal

n. a small freshwater fish with silver scales and red fins.

n. a common European freshwater fish (Rutilus rutilus) of the carp family.

“He spent the afternoon by the river catching roach and perch.”

“Anglers often target roach during the winter months when other species are less active in the colder river currents.”

British English

n. the small, leftover end of a hand-rolled cigarette.

n. the remaining butt of a marijuana cigarette or a cardboard filter used in a hand-rolled joint.

“He left a roach in the ashtray after he finished smoking.”

“In some subcultures, a roach clip is used to hold the small end of the cigarette to avoid burning one's fingers.”

Slang

n. the extra curved part of a sail that makes it larger.

n. the part of a sail that extends beyond a straight line between the head and the clew to increase surface area.

“The new mainsail has a large roach to help the boat move faster in light wind.”

“The sailmaker recommended a full-battened mainsail to support the significant roach required for the racing yacht's performance profile.”

Technical

v. to cut a horse's mane or a person's hair very short so it stands up.

v. to trim or shave a horse's mane or a person's hair so that it stands erect.

“The trainer decided to roach the horse's mane for the upcoming show.”

“The barber was asked to roach the boy's hair, leaving it standing in a stiff, upright style popular in that region.”

Dialect