orchid

noun

or·​chid ˈȯr-kəd 

1

: any of a large family (Orchidaceae, the orchid family) of perennial epiphytic or terrestrial monocotyledonous plants that usually have showy 3-petaled flowers with the middle petal enlarged into a lip and differing from the others in shape and color

2

: a light purple

orchidlike

ˈȯr-kəd-ˌlīk 

adjective

Illustration of orchid

• orchid 1

Examples of orchid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The shop also stocks ice cream and sorbet in flavors like orchid, jasmine or coffee toffee crunch, as well as handmade Loukoum candies — otherwise known as Turkish delight — available in rose or miske, a pine-like flavor derived from the mastic tree. —Laura May Todd, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2024

Erin’s Italian Summers layers coconut, sparkling citrus, wild freesia and cozy vanilla orchid for an airy finish. —Brittany Talarico, Peoplemag, 20 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin orchid-, the base of the taxa names Orchideae and Orchidaceae — more at orchidaceous

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing orchid

• vanda orchid

Kids Definition

orchid

noun

or·​chid ˈȯr-kəd 

1

: any plant or flower of a large family of plants that have usually showy flowers with three petals of which the middle petal is enlarged and differs from the others in shape and color

2

: a light purple