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 about a woman doctor who takes up a job in an orphanage, only to find that the place is haunted, is directed by Leak Lyda. —Patrick Frater, Variety, 9 May 2024

There was also an orphanage for the children of inmates who’d given birth while incarcerated. —Brittney Griner, TIME, 3 May 2024

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