orchid

noun

or·​chid ˈȯr-kəd 

1

: any of a large family (Orchidaceae, the orchid family) of perennial epiphytic or terrestrial monocotyledonous plants that usually have showy 3-petaled flowers with the middle petal enlarged into a lip and differing from the others in shape and color

2

: a light purple

orchidlike

ˈȯr-kəd-ˌlīk 

adjective

Illustration of orchid

• orchid 1

Examples of orchid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There isn’t just one type of LEGO flower, either: There are orchids, roses, tulips, and bluebells, to name a few. —Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2025

Neatly arrayed along the walls are new takes on the orchids, dahlia or bird of paradise flowers introduced in 2024, plus a handful of bag charms making their debut in person in Paris and online. —Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 30 Apr. 2025

Across the terrain, drought-hardy plants like Lady’s Slipper orchids, Mexican Bird of Paradise, Baja Fairy Duster, and Giant Hesper Aloe bring color, movement, and life to the grounds—demonstrating how intentional design can work hand-in-hand with the land. —Ashlee Marie Preston, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025

And perhaps unexpectedly, there’s also the yellow lady’s slipper, a rare yellow-and-black orchid that only blooms between May and June. —Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin orchid-, the base of the taxa names Orchideae and Orchidaceae — more at orchidaceous

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing orchid

• vanda orchid

Kids Definition

orchid

noun

or·​chid ˈȯr-kəd 

1

: any plant or flower of a large family of plants that have usually showy flowers with three petals of which the middle petal is enlarged and differs from the others in shape and color

2

: a light purple