orchard

noun

or·​chard ˈȯr-chərd How to pronounce orchard (audio)
Synonyms of orchardnext
: a planting of fruit trees, nut trees, or sugar maples
also : the trees of such a planting

Examples of orchard in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Alcohol is repeatedly referred to in the Bible in both the Old and New Testaments and was well established in Rome and her territories, from the vineyards of Italy to the cider orchards of Britain. Literary Hub, 7 Jan. 2026 In some areas of the country, people may carol through fruit orchards as a way to bless crops. Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 5 Jan. 2026 Bears have broken into supermarkets and hotels and raided orchards, attacking vehicles and people out of the blue. Peter Guo, NBC news, 31 Dec. 2025 That orchard and vineyard now produce estate wines and ciders—and recently received organic certification, becoming the fourth certified organic vineyard in the state of Michigan and the only one in Charlevoix. Stacy Conde, Midwest Living, 30 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for orchard

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English ortgeard, from ort- (from Latin hortus garden) + geard yard — more at yard

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of orchard was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Orchard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orchard. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

orchard

noun
or·​chard ˈȯr-chərd How to pronounce orchard (audio)
1
: a place where fruit or nut trees are grown
2
: the trees in an orchard

More from Merriam-Webster on orchard

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