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

If using a commercial houseplant soil, add some extra perlite and/or orchid bark to lighten it up a bit. —Dr. Matthew Lisy, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2026

Between my countless lies, sandwiches from the East Side eatery William Poll arrived as well as orchids and other flowers from Jerome Florists. —Griffin Dunne, Vulture, 19 June 2026

Combine equal parts of cactus potting soil, fine orchid bark, and perlite for fast drainage. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 19 June 2026

That same collection featured additional floral styles, while the cruise 2027 runway showcased heels with orchid embellishments in lush colors and floppy recreations of spider chrysanthemums. —Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 17 June 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