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

Dozens of vendors and exhibitors from three continents will be at the Huntington’s Brody Botanical Center all weekend displaying and selling hundreds of exotic orchids. — Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Even her handmade orchid bag charm has piercings that feel true to the time. — Marci Robin, Allure, 23 Sep. 2026

Learn how and when to expect orchids to bloomplus tips for healthier flowers. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 23 Sep. 2026

In the humid environment orchids prefer, a layer of coffee grounds can become a fuzzy, gray carpet in a matter of days, which can spread to the plant’s crown. — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Sep. 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