orchid

noun

or·​chid ˈȯr-kəd How to pronounce orchid (audio)
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 adjective

Illustration of orchid

Illustration of orchid
  • orchid 1

Examples of orchid 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.
The staircase, meanwhile, was covered in asparagus vine, orchids, and roses. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 7 July 2025 Hang orchids from trees and feed every other week for best growth and flowering. Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2025 Evoking orchids, as well as summer’s bountiful lavender and clematis arrivals, the hue grants a rare opportunity for dabbling in many competing color trends at once through this shoe purchase. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 25 June 2025 To honor that momentous first step for the 51’s fortunate 100 owners, The Glenrothes has commissioned a Kintsugi artist to reassemble the column into a unique piece of art, perhaps a vase to grow an orchid like those that grow wild on The Glenrothes Estate and inspired the 51. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for orchid

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of orchid was in 1845

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Cite this Entry

“Orchid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orchid. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

orchid

noun
or·​chid ˈȯr-kəd How to pronounce orchid (audio)
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

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