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

Don’t use cinnamon with tomatoes, pepper, or garden cress, as well as ferns, prayer plants, and orchids. —Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 23 May 2026

Bird's Botanicals sells exotic plants and award-winning orchids and Lavender Hill Farm is the stop for all things lavender and honey. —Jen Crystal, Midwest Living, 22 May 2026

Available in pink or white, this lifelike orchid plant comes with lush green leaves, multiple stems, and dozens of soft blooms. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 May 2026

Plus, there will be workshops and an orchid marketplace on weekends. —Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2026

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