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 orchid doubles in her view, the room around her distorting. — Literary Hub, 25 June 2026 Then pick up this Lego orchid building set for a fun craft that doubles as décor. — Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026 Hang orchids from trees and feed every other week for best growth and flowering. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2026 The top of a divider separating the dining area from its service space is lined with white orchids in blue and white porcelain pots. — Nancy Vienneau, Southern Living, 27 June 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 7 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on orchid

Nglish: Translation of orchid for Spanish Speakers

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