noun Uncommon

roach

rohch

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Roach (noun) means a small freshwater fish related to carp, common in European rivers and lakes. Example: “He spent the afternoon fishing for roach off the canal bank.”

noun

A small freshwater fish related to carp, common in European rivers and lakes.

"He spent the afternoon fishing for roach off the canal bank."

Slang for a cockroach.

"She screamed when a roach scuttled across the kitchen floor."

The small cardboard filter, or the leftover butt, of a rolled cigarette or joint.

"He rolled a bit of the cigarette packet into a roach for the joint."

How to use roach

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDepending on context: a river fish, an informal word for cockroach, or the little cardboard tip in a rolled cigarette or joint.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "roach" the slang cockroach sense with the unrelated fish species — context (fishing vs. pest) makes it clear which is meant.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: roaches
Third person singular: roaches
Past tense: roached

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He spent the afternoon fishing for _____ off the canal bank.

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.

Origin: Old French

Synonyms

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circle rophy roofy rope cockroach

Related words

set club round network band ring cable circle

Rhymes for roach

coach poach broach approach reproach cockroach Stagecoach

See all rhymes for 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.

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