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

Though several portions of the gardens are being worked on, an orchid alley that was created while the conservancy is under construction awaits visitors, as well as part of the garden’s begonia collection. —Heather McRea, Oc Register, 10 Apr. 2026

The Orchids Are Must-See In the orchid room, 250 types of phalaenopsis and cattleya orchids are arranged along the walls at all four sides. —Jenny Hughes, The Spruce, 9 Apr. 2026

New spring colors include daffodil, peach rose, soft orchid, spring green and blue sky. —Claire Peltier, ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026

Similarly, materials like coconut coir bricks or orchid bark require soaking to expand and become usable. —Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 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