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
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Like orchids, seagrasses owe much of their success to partnerships.
—
David George Haskell, Big Think, 27 Mar. 2026
Without endosperm, orchid seedlings are entirely dependent on fungi.
—Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
Attendees can learn about growing bonsai and see rare orchids, according to Cox.
—McClatchy, Idaho Statesman, 24 Mar. 2026
The floral artist is currently collaborating with the New York Botanical Garden for their annual orchid show.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 23 Mar. 2026
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David George Haskell, Big Think, 27 Mar. 2026
Without endosperm, orchid seedlings are entirely dependent on fungi.
—Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
Attendees can learn about growing bonsai and see rare orchids, according to Cox.
—McClatchy, Idaho Statesman, 24 Mar. 2026
The floral artist is currently collaborating with the New York Botanical Garden for their annual orchid show.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 23 Mar. 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 1 Apr. 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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