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

In fact, the German naturalist and polymath has been described as the person with more species – from penguins and monkeys to an orchid – and places named after him than any other human. —Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 17 Apr. 2026

The surcharges also are placed on orchids shipped from Thailand, tulips from Holland, and eucylptus from San Diego and other nurseries in Washington state, that come by way of Santa Ana Airport and Los Angeles International Airport, or by truck — if possible. —Pat Maio, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026

In keeping with the overall airy imagery—both emotionally and and olfactory—the fragrance opens with ripe peach, juxtaposed with critine begamot and wild orchid. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2026

There will also be flowering classes and an awards show for the best exotic and fragrant orchids. —Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 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