orchid

noun

or·​chid ˈȯr-kəd How to pronounce orchid (audio)
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 adjective

Illustration of orchid

Illustration of orchid
  • orchid 1

Examples of orchid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web There were tables bursting with orchids, an installation of TVs showcasing Versace campaigns and runway shows on a loop, waiters with silver trays of shrimp cocktails in silver coupes, and champagne glasses offered to guests at every turn. Rachel Besser, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2024 Unlike other traditional orchids, the Jewel Orchid (Ludisia discolor ‘Red Velvet’), is an easy-to-care-for, low-light-loving plant with stunning terracotta-esque vining on the velvety leaves. Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 5 Mar. 2024 The limited-edition selection features a variety of 15 green plants and colorful orchids. Hannah Chubb, Peoplemag, 1 Mar. 2024 The advice probably stems from the common practice of watering orchids with ice — a convenient method to prevent overwatering them. Lauren David, Washington Post, 17 Jan. 2024 In addition to the orchids that typically grow in the garden’s conservatory, displays will include plants on loan from local private growers from the San Diego County Orchid and Palomar Orchid societies — as well as orchids and materials from local businesses. Union-Tribune Staff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2024 Bright, medium deep purple; aromas of black currant, black plum, black orchid and distinct mocha notes. Tom Hyland, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Heated and cooled by abundant sunshine and ocean breezes, these buildings created the perfect micro-climate for growing lilies, tulips, delphiniums and orchids. Peter Hecht, Sacramento Bee, 21 Feb. 2024 Notes: Golden orchid, amber, musk, vanilla Sizes: 1.7 oz., 0.27 oz. Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 24 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'orchid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of orchid was in 1845

Dictionary Entries Near orchid

Cite this Entry

“Orchid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orchid. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

orchid

noun
or·​chid ˈȯr-kəd How to pronounce orchid (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on orchid

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