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

Key trends: Relaxed femme, volume, poplin, stripes and pinstripes, fringe, thong sandals, burgundy, rose and orchid. —David Moin, WWD, 11 Sep. 2024

Roses and orchids On Thursday night, guests will dine under the stars, in a pavilion made of glass and glowing with candles. —Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA TODAY, 23 May 2024

On sale right now at Etsy, the 8 oz. candle is available in six scents, including amber sandalwood, cinnamon and vanilla, and sea salt orchid. —Tim Chan, Variety, 16 Aug. 2024

Cherry Baby Eau De Parfum features notes of cherry Cosmo, glazed apple, plum nectar, brown sugar, red poppy, peony blossom, dark chocolate, vanilla orchid, cashmere wood, sensual musk, patchouli elixir and amber resin. —Erin Lassner, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Aug. 2024

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