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

The restaurant, of course, is gone, but the hotel features a stunning, textured orchid wall that nods to this piece of Louisville history. —Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 17 Dec. 2025

This set features a full-size and mini of this unique scent, which features sweet, floral vanilla orchid (as in, the flower that comes from the vanilla plant), contrasted with breezy, beachy marine ozonic accord. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 14 Dec. 2025

The design references both cultures with steely grays and blues for Chicago’s architecture and lake, and noble flowers such as plum blossom, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum, which show up in the form of art walls and custom cabinetry, as well as decorative accents in the bi-level spa. —Amy Tara Koch, Robb Report, 11 Dec. 2025

The set includes 274 lego pieces that, when assembled, create a gorgeous mini orchid display complete with five peach blooms, a few budding flowers, and green leaves to bring it to life. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 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