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

Guests enter through a covered porte-cochère lined with orchids and palms, stepping into a central lobby bar that doubles as a lounge, with music performances or live piano in the evenings. —Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025

Alligators and orchids, a mangrove tunnel, the Turner River, or Everglades National Park—the choice is yours. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 27 July 2025

Divide bromeliads, orchids, day lilies and other landscape perennials. —Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2025

Inside the greenhouses, vibrant and rare orchids bloom in perfectly humid conditions (including a rare green orchid). —Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 19 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