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

Florist Amy Vongpitaka revealed to PEOPLE at the time that the couple created a winter wonderland under a tent in their living room, filled with candles, branches, crystal icicles and over 70,000 white orchids. — Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026

Hang orchids from trees and feed every other week for best growth and flowering. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2026

The top of a divider separating the dining area from its service space is lined with white orchids in blue and white porcelain pots. — Nancy Vienneau, Southern Living, 27 June 2026

Don't Overdo Moisture Never let pots sit in standing water, and skip the saucer if your orchid is outdoors. — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 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