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

Explore a range of fruit trees, succulents, roses, orchids, Florida native options and more. —Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 6 Mar. 2025

Importing and possessing exotic mantis species, including the orchid mantis, requires a permit from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. —Lauren Liebhaber, Kansas City Star, 3 Mar. 2025

Epiphytic orchids naturally grow on trees in the tropics. —Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2025

One lucky winner from each of the eight tables got to take their orchid centerpiece home. —News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Jan. 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