orphanage

noun

or·​phan·​age ˈȯr-fə-nij 

ˈȯrf-nij

1

: the state of being an orphan

2

: an institution for the care of orphans

Examples of orphanage in a Sentence

After the death of his parents, he was raised in an orphanage.

Recent Examples on the Web

During location scouting, the team visited orphanages filled with children who had lost their parents in the war. — Marta Balaga, Variety, 1 Nov. 2026

The historic building that houses the restaurant used to be an orphanage for young girls, and the dining space was once a classroom. — Jessica Jungbauer, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2026

Jean also said at least a dozen children underwent medical examinations and that Osbeck lacked the documentation required to operate an orphanage. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2026

My mom was raised in an orphanage, so her kids were pretty much everything. — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

orphan entry 1 + -age, after Middle French orphelinage

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

orphanage

noun

or·​phan·​age ˈȯrf-(ə-)nij 

: an institution for the care of orphans