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

For its first trade show outside Japan, the brand was presenting a range of designs including cherry blossom, dahlias, tulips, lilies and orchids. — Alex Wynne, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026

Fresh levies on $20 billion in Canadian goods are expected to hike prices for imports ranging from orchids to hockey sticks, many of which are sold predominantly in states along the border, some analysts said. — Max Zahn, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2026

Don’t miss the botanical and sculpture gardens, which are perfumed by the jasmine and orchid flowers that bloom all over. — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026

Still, every spare inch is crammed with more than 32 different kinds of orchids imported from around the world, including such beauties as the flame-like Epidendrum radicans and the rare Dimorphorchis lowii. — Leigh-Ann Jackson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 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