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

Many orchid species, and cymbidiums in particular, flower at their maximum potential when crowded. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026

Move orchids outdoor for the summer and fertilize with an orchid product as instructed. —Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026

The jungle-like garden, Norton’s collection of 250 rare plants, including palms, orchids, and other native plants, is beautiful itself, and Norton’s massive sculptures (in stone, wood, and bronze) look right at home among the vegetation. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2026

The Olson/Binder garden in Poway, which features a collection of award-winning Staghorn ferns, an orchid greenhouse, a variety of fruit trees and a gazebo from which visitors can enjoy the view. —Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 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