Phrase guide

roach motel

noun · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A low-priced motel in a state of disrepair.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: derogatory

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

Something that is easy to enter, but is difficult or costly to leave.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

A cockroach trap.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Qualifier: genericized trademark

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

The meaning "low-priced motel" is because such a place might be expected to be infested with roaches. The meaning "something easy to enter, difficult to leave" is from American roach-bait brand Roach Motel, advertised with the slogan "Roaches check in, but they don't check out!"