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

In the spring, those trails are lined with wildflowers California poppies, sky lupines, Indian paintbrushes, and Calypso orchids, to name a few. —Deb Hopewell, AFAR Media, 24 Mar. 2025

As spring officially arrives this weekend, the annual orchid show gets underway with a sprawling floral exhibition of vibrant colors, flowing waterfalls and thousands of Orchidaceae. —Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 20 Mar. 2025

The extraordinary compound has seen centuries of transformation, from Chumash villages to a bustling cattle ranch, a haven for champion racehorses, and even the world’s largest orchid farm. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 20 Mar. 2025

Producing those beautiful flowers takes a lot of energy for orchid plants. —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