Illustration of orchid
- orchid 1
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
Examples of orchid in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Attend a plant talk on houseplant care, a seminar on blooming tropical plants that thrive in the Midwest, or an orchid-repotting demonstration led by experts.
—
Elaine Rewolinski, jsonline.com, 27 Feb. 2026
At cocktail hour, between greetings and exchanges, attendees including Martha Stewart and supermodel Anne V were welcomed to shop unique and rare orchids—with all proceeds directly supporting NYBG’s mission and commitment to research, education, and outreach.
—Savannah Hanoum, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2026
Depending on the variety and where they're grown, commercial growers may cultivate different types of orchids in either orchid bark, which can come in finer or coarser textures, or sphagnum moss.
—Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 26 Feb. 2026
In warmer months Rollins grows orchids in the trees on his property.
—Felicia Feaster, AJC.com, 26 Feb. 2026
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Elaine Rewolinski, jsonline.com, 27 Feb. 2026
At cocktail hour, between greetings and exchanges, attendees including Martha Stewart and supermodel Anne V were welcomed to shop unique and rare orchids—with all proceeds directly supporting NYBG’s mission and commitment to research, education, and outreach.
—Savannah Hanoum, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2026
Depending on the variety and where they're grown, commercial growers may cultivate different types of orchids in either orchid bark, which can come in finer or coarser textures, or sphagnum moss.
—Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 26 Feb. 2026
In warmer months Rollins grows orchids in the trees on his property.
—Felicia Feaster, AJC.com, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for orchid
Cite this Entry
“Orchid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orchid. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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