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

Meniscus augur & hour of errors as the mercury rag spills its rings from his last good pore, his teeth shaped in greenhouse suet or little expectant pots of orchid balm in snow. —Michael D. Snediker, The Atlantic, 10 Aug. 2025

Major points of interest include a colorful hibiscus garden, orchid room, palm walk, and butterfly garden that’s also popular among hummingbirds. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2025

Which story, about a rare-bloom orchid hunter and his battle with the state of Florida and its Seminole tribe, became a film in 2002? —Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 25 July 2025

The garden is beloved for its orchid collection, air plants and rare plants. —Miami Herald, 16 July 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