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

Check your local Aldi store for an assortment of orchids in various shades planted in colorful pots. —Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 8 May 2026

The orchid exhibition also contains plants on loan from San Diego County Orchid Society and Palomar Orchid Society members. —Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 May 2026

While misting only raises humidity levels for a few minutes, some plants like ferns, monsteras, and orchids actually prefer being misted. —Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 29 Apr. 2026

The gardening icon has grown everything from organic herbs to poinsettias to orchids for more than four decades. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 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