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

However, perhaps the most elegant part of the look was her sleek low updo accentuated with a purple orchid headpiece. — Essence Wiley, InStyle, 22 July 2026

Candy Pink & Magenta Soft buttercream paired with oversized orchid florals proves that feminine doesn't have to mean predictable. — Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Shades of blue, crisp linens, simple glass accents, and fresh white orchids came together to create a tablescape that’s elegant without feeling fussy. — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026

Spider plants, Boston ferns, orchids and areca palms are all non-toxic options. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 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