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

The film follows his rise from a group home to NBA stardom, with a cast that includes Morris Chestnut as a professional player, Song as Reg Stevens, one of the kids living in the orphanage, Jonathan Lipnicki as a teammate at the orphanage, and Plemons, who appeared as one of the kids in the home. —Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026

To become a steward requires a $1 million gift to a fund that then helps support papal projects, such as building orphanages or monasteries. —Nicole Winfield, Fortune, 2 May 2026

The Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise will host Trivia Night for a Cause to raise money for high school scholarships for students of the Cherish Watoto orphanage and school in Kenya. —Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026

The Guyaki attack occurred on the same day that gunmen raided an orphanage in north-central Nigeria and abducted 23 pupils. —ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

orphan entry 1 + -age, after Middle French orphelinage

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