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

Then, come back and keep scrolling for more decorative Legos, including a realistic orchid build with a near-perfect overall rating and this chrysanthemum building set that has been purchased more than 50,000 times by shoppers in the past month. —Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 29 Dec. 2025

Water the Plant Consistently Many people overwater an orchid and drown its roots, killing it. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Dec. 2025

There’s Tropical Sunrise with pineapple and coconut, Orchid Bliss with orchid and sandalwood, Radiant Rose with florals and bergamot, Watermelon Spritz for something bright and juicy, and of course Vanilla-licious with warm caramel and vanilla notes. —Jessika Hardy, Refinery29, 22 Dec. 2025

This set features a full-size and mini of this unique scent, which features sweet, floral vanilla orchid (as in, the flower that comes from the vanilla plant), contrasted with breezy, beachy marine ozonic accord. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 14 Dec. 2025

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