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

When evaluating the success of individual plant families, the dicot daisy family (Asteraceae) is number one with 32,000 species, while the monocot orchid family (Orchidaceae) is number two with 28,000 species. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 4 June 2026

The toad lily produces orchid-looking flowers with bright green leaves. —Lauren David, Southern Living, 4 June 2026

So yes, while some flowers, such as delicate orchids or lush peonies, can carry a higher price tag, the behind-the-scenes work often has a larger influence on the final proposal. —Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 1 June 2026

Feed orchids every other week with a liquid or use a slow-release fertilizer as labeled. —Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 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