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

Afterward, the couple sliced into a three-tier red velvet cake decorated with pearls and orchids before a group champagne toast. —Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 26 Feb. 2025

What’s happening Garden Fair: The Sweetwater Oaks Garden Club’s Garden Fair will feature vendors selling plants, shrubs, roses, orchids, birdhouses, decorative garden and yard art. —Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2025

In some orchids, photosynthesis is out and parasitism is in. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 19 Feb. 2025

In addition to food items such as pastries, burgers, pizza, seafood and barbecue, vendors also have leather goods, hand soaps, natural skin care products, homemade jams, dog treats, jewelry and orchids. —Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 18 Feb. 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