1 roach | Definition of roach

roach

noun (1)
\ ˈrōch How to pronounce roach (audio) \
plural roach also roaches

Definition of roach

 (Entry 1 of 4)

1 : a silver-green European freshwater cyprinid fish (Rutilus rutilus) also : any of various related fishes (such as some shiners)
2 : any of several American freshwater sunfishes (family Centrarchidae)

roach

noun (2)

Definition of roach (Entry 2 of 4)

1 : a curved cut in the edge of a sail to prevent chafing or to secure a better fit
2 : a roll of hair brushed straight back from the forehead or side of the head

roach

verb
roached; roaching; roaches

Definition of roach (Entry 3 of 4)

transitive verb

1 : to cut so that the remainder stands upright roach a horse's mane
2 : to cause to arch specifically : to brush (the hair) in a roach often used with up

roach

noun (3)

Definition of roach (Entry 4 of 4)

1 : cockroach
2 : the butt of a marijuana cigarette

First Known Use of roach

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1794, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1803, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (3)

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for roach

Noun (1)

Middle English roche, from Anglo-French roche, rosse

Noun (2)

origin unknown

Noun (3)

by shortening

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More Definitions for roach

roach

noun
\ ˈrōch How to pronounce roach (audio) \

Kids Definition of roach

roach

noun
\ ˈrōch How to pronounce roach (audio) \

Medical Definition of roach

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More from Merriam-Webster on roach

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with roach

Spanish Central: Translation of roach

Nglish: Translation of roach for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about roach