: 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
Recent Examples on the WebThe orchid shade of her dress was an ideal color now that spring has transitioned to summer.—Julia Teti, WWD, 20 June 2024 The ice cream’s firm texture is traditionally thanks to … orchid tubers?—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 29 May 2024 Find the showcase — which features orchids grown near and far — in the Dickinson Family Education Conservatory.—The San Diego Union-Tribune Staff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2024 The Black Sapphire orchid is hand-dyed a deep purple and placed in a black ceramic pot, making a striking statement.—Catherine Garcia, theweek, 1 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for orchid
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'orchid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
borrowed from New Latin orchid-, the base of the taxa names Orchideae and Orchidaceae — more at orchidaceous
: 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
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