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

Its assortment of daisy, lavender, jasmine, orchid, dancing lady, and other florals appears to bubble over: effectively bringing the outdoors in and sparing you from allergies in the meantime. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 17 June 2025

Take care not to overdo this, especially with plants that need excellent drainage, like succulents, Mediterranean woody herbs, or orchids. —Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 June 2025

Go with a powdery floral with iris and cream notes like Yesterday Haze or a skin scent with notes of vetiver, vanilla and orchids from Bohemian Fig. —Meghan Rose, Glamour, 4 June 2025

Tropical bromeliads, orchids, spathiphyllum, aluminum plants and dracaena like shady sites. —Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 May 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