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

Specialty potting mixes, such as for orchids and cacti, also are sold. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 4 Dec. 2025

Penang Hill is a UNESCO Biosphere reserve filled with excellent hiking trails and more than 200 species of orchids. —Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 1 Dec. 2025

Paired with his militaristic character are the cloud forest, orchids, and bromeliads adorning the walkways and dangling from the treetops. —Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 30 Nov. 2025

Your healthy orchid will grow new leaves to take its place. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Nov. 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