orphanage

noun

or·​phan·​age ˈȯr-fə-nij 

ˈȯrf-nij

1

: the state of being an orphan

2

: an institution for the care of orphans

Examples of orphanage in a Sentence

After the death of his parents, he was raised in an orphanage.

Recent Examples on the Web

They are given food, shelter and an education at the Light the Future Foundation, a school and orphanage founded by Patrick Ssenyondo. —Sarah Baniak, ABC News, 6 June 2025

Its orphanages, hospitals, maternity homes, adoption agencies, and police received donations and gratitude payments from foreign adopters. —Time, 15 May 2025

Simpson’s against-all-odds story began at age five on the streets of Chennai before being adopted at eight by Canadian philanthropists Sandra and Lloyd Simpson, founders of Families for Children orphanage. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 1 Apr. 2025

Some had been temporarily placed in orphanages by parents desperate to get them to safety, believing they might be reunited someday. —Jim Axelrod june 9, CBS News, 9 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

orphan entry 1 + -age, after Middle Frenchorphelinage

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

orphanage

noun

or·​phan·​age ˈȯrf-(ə-)nij 

: an institution for the care of orphans