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

Allison Autry, an orchid researcher and PhD candidate in the garden’s botany program, will lead a class covering the 30-plus orchid species native to California. — Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Coinciding with the presentation that christened her store, Hod also launched a fragrance blending green tea and orchid blossoms, which is available to purchase as a perfume, candle or diffuser. — Ari Stark, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026

The Grammy winner's makeup, by makeup artist Dee, was a fun, colorful mix of hues, including cerulean blue, daffodil yellow, and orchid pink, with a brighter pink applied high up on her cheekbones and buffed out to her temples. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 12 Oct. 2026

Out in the garden, living butterflies flutter among orchids and flowering shrubs, some landing in butterfly traps hanging from the trees. — Sophie Neiman, Christian Science Monitor, 5 Oct. 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