orchid

noun or·chid \ ˈȯr-kəd \

|Updated on: 8 Jul 2018

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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orchidlike

play \ˈȯr-kəd-ˌlīk\ adjective

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Recent Examples of orchid from the Web

Flowers were the crowning glory, with some models wearing helmets of fresh gerberas, hydrangeas and orchids on their heads.

— rhonda richford, The Hollywood Reporter, "Valentino's Magical Couture Week Closer Leaves Tracee Ellis Ross in Tears," 5 July 2018
The bride carried a bouquet of orchids designed by Elan Flowers.

— julie jordan, PEOPLE.com, "Keegan-Michael Key Is Married! See Photos of Actor's Wedding to Elisa Pugliese in N.Y.C.," 8 June 2018
More than 60 complimentary seminars will be provided on topics including orchid repotting and mounting, graywater irrigation and native plant landscaping.

— daily pilot staff, latimes.com, "South Coast Plaza opens 4-day spring garden show," 27 Apr. 2018
Privacy - Terms Many kinds of vanilla orchids are grown in South Florida as a backyard crop.

— carole kotkin, miamiherald, "There's nothing vanilla about cooking with fragrant, homemade vanilla," 13 June 2018
Manhattan penthouse and decorated with 70,000 dendrobium orchids flown in from Thailand.

— jeff nelson, PEOPLE.com, "A Detailed Timeline of Beyoncé and JAY-Z's Relationship," 7 June 2018
Outside the academy, the 12-foot-tall pink orchid mantis next to the double-deinonychuses is more than just a pretty decoration.

— lauren mccutcheon, Philly.com, "Where to take your kids in Philadelphia this summer," 6 June 2018
The wreath is made of 33 ivory colored Cymbidium orchids with burgundy tips and 33 miniature flags.

— dawn mitchell, Indianapolis Star, "10 cool facts about Indy 500 history and race traditions," 21 May 2018
Manhattan penthouse and decorated with 70,000 Dendrobium orchids flown in from Thailand.

— stephanie petit, PEOPLE.com, "The Beyhive Is Bummed That Beyoncé Didn't Share Anything for Her 10th Anniversary with JAY-Z," 5 Apr. 2018

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.