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

Will the flowers be daisies rather than priceless hothouse orchids? —Emma Specter, Vogue, 7 Apr. 2025

Along with being surrounded by the dazzling panorama of rare orchids, tropical plants, herbs and fruit trees for sale by local and international vendors, the festival includes food and drink vendors, art, live music and lectures on orchid care and gardening. —Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2025

Move orchids & bromeliads outdoors to a shady location. —Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2025

Fertilizing orchids is a little different than fertilizing other houseplants. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Mar. 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