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

This country’s flowers are stunning and range from Gerbera Daisies to orchids and carnations. —Liza B. Zimmerman, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025

Surfing, taxidermy, orchids, Rin Tin Tin. —Lizz Schumer, People.com, 24 Aug. 2025

The sanctuary is engaged in critical research to learn how best to preserve the environment, whether that’s planting more trees or identifying the ideal conditions for a ram’s-head lady’s slipper orchid. —Emma John, AFAR Media, 20 Aug. 2025

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

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