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

Biltmore's conservatory During a late-night stroll with Jack, Lucy is seen walking in front of Biltmore's conservatory, which includes poinsettias and numerous exotic orchids during Christmas. —Kelsie Gibson, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024

It's become a fan-favorite for its relatively affordable price tag (hey, $100 is lower than $250-plus) and toasty, gourmand-heavy blend of sweet and floral vanilla orchids, creamy tonka absolute, and amber woods. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 25 Nov. 2024

Burning Desire, with its bold representation of an orchid, reminds guests of the beauty and intricacy found in nature. —Laura Parker, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024

Why are those gorgeous orchid flowers falling off your plant too soon? —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Oct. 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