Illustration of orchid
- orchid 1
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
Examples of orchid in a Sentence
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Along the way, the orchid became the subject of scientific speculation (including by Charles Darwin), a fetish in the Victorian era’s burgeoning consumer culture, and an example of the excesses of imperialist extraction.
—
The New Yorker, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
Stewart also won a Grower’s Choice Award for her orchid, Oncidium McLea Golden Gouble.
—Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2025
There are some special exceptions: some plants, notably African violets, orchids, and succulents, dislike having moisture sit on their leaves.
—Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 May 2025
The orchid embroidery pays homage to the region’s cultural heritage.
—Maria Belen Archetto, Footwear News, 28 Apr. 2025
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The New Yorker, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
Stewart also won a Grower’s Choice Award for her orchid, Oncidium McLea Golden Gouble.
—Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2025
There are some special exceptions: some plants, notably African violets, orchids, and succulents, dislike having moisture sit on their leaves.
—Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 May 2025
The orchid embroidery pays homage to the region’s cultural heritage.
—Maria Belen Archetto, Footwear News, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for orchid
Cite this Entry
“Orchid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orchid. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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