orchid

noun

or·​chid ˈȯr-kəd How to pronounce orchid (audio)
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 How to pronounce orchid (audio)
adjective

Illustration of orchid

Illustration of orchid
  • orchid 1

Examples of orchid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The shop will carry orchids, roses, dahlias, peonies, hydrangeas, and other seasonal flowers in addition to arrangements for weddings, corporate events and other occasions. — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 2026 Rooms Las Alcobas offers a moody-luxe atmosphere with a touch of Mexican influence throughout its 35 surprisingly spacious suites and three penthouses, where dark rosewood and fresh, fragile orchids take center stage. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026 Guerlain Orchidée Impériale The Oil in Gel Inspired by the longevity of orchids, Guerlain’s Orchidée Impériale collection draws upon research into Vanda coerulea, a blue orchid that can survive for up to 100 years. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2026 Allison Autry, an orchid researcher and PhD candidate in the garden’s botany program, will lead a class covering the 30-plus orchid species native to California. — Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for orchid

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of orchid was in 1845

Phrases Containing orchid

Browse Nearby Words

orchestrion
orchid
Orchidaceae
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Orchid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orchid. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

orchid

noun
or·​chid ˈȯr-kəd How to pronounce orchid (audio)
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
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