phalaenopsis
noun
phal·ae·nop·sis
ˌfa-lə-ˈnäp-səs 
plural phalaenopsis also phalaenopses
ˌfa-lə-ˈnäp-ˌsēz
: any of a genus (Phalaenopsis) of ornamental epiphytic orchids of southeastern Asia and Australia having fleshy leaves and large showy flowers with broad lateral petals
Examples of phalaenopsis in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
One of the central, and first, installations that the visitor encounters is, in fact, a magnification of the illustration that appeared on the scroll—a glorious tidal wave of phalaenopsis that looms over the visitor.
—
Chloe Schama, Vogue, 17 Feb. 2023
Your phalaenopsis, often called a moth orchid, may take a short rest but can be back in bloom in a few months.
—Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 21 Jan. 2023
Customers can choose single-variety or mixed bouquets, which might feature timeless favorites like king protea, O’Hara roses and phalaenopsis orchids, along with a few varieties endemic to the continent, including golden wattles, boronias, flannel flowers and callicarpas.
—New York Times, 4 May 2021
Many phalaenopsis orchids are gifted in containers without adequate drainage.
—Tom MacCubbin, orlandosentinel.com, 1 Jan. 2022
The tables were adorned with white lisianthuses, ranunculus, phalaenopsis orchids, roses, and greenery, all placed on runners.
—Elise Taylor, Vogue, 14 Dec. 2021
Brighten up a meditation corner in someone’s home with a phalaenopsis orchid from Just Add Ice.
—Joni Sweet, Forbes, 10 Nov. 2021
Your favorite nursery may have a good selection of holiday plants such as Christmas cactus, phalaenopsis orchids, paperwhite, cyclamen and amaryllis on sale now that the Christmas rush is over.
—Calvin Finch, ExpressNews.com, 2 Jan. 2020
More for your money: Once the phalaenopsis is done blooming, trim its stems back, put it outside (in warm climates) out of direct sun, or stick them in a tree, and look forward to another round of blossoms.
—Contributing Writer, NOLA.com, 10 Apr. 2018
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Chloe Schama, Vogue, 17 Feb. 2023
Your phalaenopsis, often called a moth orchid, may take a short rest but can be back in bloom in a few months.
—Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 21 Jan. 2023
Customers can choose single-variety or mixed bouquets, which might feature timeless favorites like king protea, O’Hara roses and phalaenopsis orchids, along with a few varieties endemic to the continent, including golden wattles, boronias, flannel flowers and callicarpas.
—New York Times, 4 May 2021
Many phalaenopsis orchids are gifted in containers without adequate drainage.
—Tom MacCubbin, orlandosentinel.com, 1 Jan. 2022
The tables were adorned with white lisianthuses, ranunculus, phalaenopsis orchids, roses, and greenery, all placed on runners.
—Elise Taylor, Vogue, 14 Dec. 2021
Brighten up a meditation corner in someone’s home with a phalaenopsis orchid from Just Add Ice.
—Joni Sweet, Forbes, 10 Nov. 2021
Your favorite nursery may have a good selection of holiday plants such as Christmas cactus, phalaenopsis orchids, paperwhite, cyclamen and amaryllis on sale now that the Christmas rush is over.
—Calvin Finch, ExpressNews.com, 2 Jan. 2020
More for your money: Once the phalaenopsis is done blooming, trim its stems back, put it outside (in warm climates) out of direct sun, or stick them in a tree, and look forward to another round of blossoms.
—Contributing Writer, NOLA.com, 10 Apr. 2018
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'phalaenopsis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
New Latin, from Greek phalaina moth + -opsis
First Known Use
1846, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near phalaenopsis
Cite this Entry
“Phalaenopsis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phalaenopsis. Accessed 11 Dec. 2023.
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