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

Nail artist Fleury Rose agrees that 3D tropical flowers, primarily meaning orchid and hibiscus shapes, also popular last summer, will have another moment in 2025. —Sophia Panych, Allure, 28 Apr. 2025

Divide African violets, bromeliads and orchids. 77. —Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2025

Each floral display was more beautiful than the last, starting with towering arrangements stuffed with white dendrobium orchids, peach roses, and various greens and wildflowers that framed the head table. —Dave Quinn, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025

As a beautiful bonus, the anthuriums, orchids and philodendrons dotting the grounds guarantee the hotel looks gorgeous all year. —Spencer Whaley, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 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