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

These sneakers come in an orchid, black, white and neutral grey colorway that’s perfect for casual use. —Rudie Obias, Variety, 25 Oct. 2024

Farmers in Florida, one of the nation’s leading producers of oranges, bell peppers, sugar, and orchids, also have reported steep production losses, facing an uncertain future. —Ayurella Horn-Muller / Grist, Quartz, 24 Oct. 2024

Zoom in: Several iconic properties won orchid awards in public and private architecture, and for their interior design concepts. —Kate Murphy, Axios, 11 Oct. 2024

Temperatures below 40 degrees may damage or kill orchids. —Marin Independent Journal, The Mercury News, 9 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