roach
5 synonyms for roach, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A small freshwater fish related to carp, common in European rivers and lakes.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
From Old French roche, related to a Germanic word for "rough" — originally the name of a fish before being borrowed for the insect and, later, the joint filter.
Full origin of roach →Frequently asked questions
What does “roach” mean?
The word “roach” means a small freshwater fish related to carp, common in European rivers and lakes. In plain terms, depending on context: a river fish, an informal word for cockroach, or the little cardboard tip in a rolled cigarette or joint.
How do you pronounce “roach”?
“Roach” is pronounced rohch (/ɹoʊt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “roach” in a sentence?
Here is “roach” used in a sentence: “He spent the afternoon fishing for roach off the canal bank.”
What part of speech is “roach”?
“Roach” is a noun.
Where does the word “roach” come from?
The word “roach” comes from Old French. From Old French roche, related to a Germanic word for "rough" — originally the name of a fish before being borrowed for the insect and, later, the joint filter.
Is “roach” a common word?
“Roach” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “roach” have?
“Roach” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small freshwater fish related to carp, common in European rivers and lakes.
