orphan
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1or·phan
noun \ˈȯr-fən\Definition of ORPHAN
1
: a child deprived by death of one or usually both parents
2
: a young animal that has lost its mother
3
: one deprived of some protection or advantage <orphans of the storm>
4
: a first line (as of a paragraph) separated from its related text and appearing at the bottom of a printed page or column
— orphan adjective
— or·phan·hood \-ˌhu̇d\ noun
See Origin of ORPHAN
Middle English, from Late Latin orphanus, from Greek orphanos; akin to Old High German erbi inheritance, Latin orbus orphaned
First Known Use: 15th century
2orphan
transitive verbor·phanedor·phan·ing \ˈȯr-fə-niŋ, ˈȯrf-niŋ\
Definition of ORPHAN
: to cause to become an orphan
First Known Use of ORPHAN
1814
Learn More About ORPHAN
Browse
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up orphan? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
