# roach

/ˈɹoʊtʃ/ (US) · /ɹˈəʊtʃ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/roach
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. an insect

noun · CEFR B1 · American English · Informal

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. a fish

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

a small freshwater fish with silver scales and red fins.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. smoking

noun · CEFR C1 · Slang

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. sailing

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

### 5. to cut hair

verb · CEFR C2 · Dialect

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- I saw a roach scurry under the kitchen cabinet.
- The landlord promised to call an exterminator after the tenants reported seeing a roach in the basement.
- While many people find the common roach repulsive, these insects are remarkably resilient and have survived for millions of years in diverse environments.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.