orchid

noun

or·chid | \ ˈȯr-kəd

Definition of orchid

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

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Examples of orchid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Native to the mountainous regions of eastern Africa, Acidanthera goes by a wealth of common names, with peacock orchid as the most recognizable. — Janet Carson, Arkansas Online, "Cornwall Mystery Plants," 8 Mar. 2021 Studying the orchid presented challenges to the scientists. — Theresa Machemer, Smithsonian Magazine, "Extremely Rare Orchid Tricks Horny Beetles Into Carrying Its Pollen," 25 Mar. 2021 Notes include mandarin, ginger blossom, vanilla orchid, musk, praline, and amberwood. — Jenna Rosenstein, Harper's BAZAAR, "Oscar de la Renta Just Launched a New Fragrance, Alibi," 15 Mar. 2021 Before the pandemic hit, the shop had emerged as a community hub thanks to a roster of events, including a book club and workshops on subjects ranging from crystal-sage bundles to orchid care. — Jen Murphy, Travel + Leisure, "Experience the Slower Side of Maui on a Road Trip Through the Heart of the Island," 27 Feb. 2021 Per the statement, the orchid has no leaves or any other means by which to turn the sun’s energy into food. — Alex Fox, Smithsonian Magazine, "Behold the World’s Ugliest Orchid, According to Botanists," 21 Dec. 2020 When Marylynn gets an orchid from Bachelor Matt James, Victoria seemingly decides that is the final straw. — Ariana Romero, refinery29.com, "This Season’s Bachelor Villain Is White Woman Tears," 12 Jan. 2021 Cancellations include the Grande Day and Torchlight parades, family night, the coronation of the Winter Carnival royalty, the Klondike Kate contest and the orchid show at the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. — Melissa Walker, Star Tribune, "What's new, gone virtual or gone from the St. Paul Winter Carnival," 25 Jan. 2021 The orchid, located in Madagascar, has no leaves, grows from a woolly tuberous stem, and spends most of its life underground, emerging only to flower or produce fruit. — Amy Woodyatt, CNN, "This new orchid species is the 'ugliest' in the world," 17 Dec. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'orchid.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.