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
Palomares recommends braided bamboo and phalaenopsis orchid.
—
Amelia Mularz, Architectural Digest, 17 Jan. 2025
Moth orchids, also called phalaenopsis orchids, which are commonly sold by florists and big box stores, can last for a couple of months, says Justin Kondrat, lead horticulturist at the Smithsonian Gardens Orchid Collection in Suitland, Maryland.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Oct. 2024
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Amelia Mularz, Architectural Digest, 17 Jan. 2025
Moth orchids, also called phalaenopsis orchids, which are commonly sold by florists and big box stores, can last for a couple of months, says Justin Kondrat, lead horticulturist at the Smithsonian Gardens Orchid Collection in Suitland, Maryland.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Oct. 2024
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
Cite this Entry
“Phalaenopsis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phalaenopsis. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share