: 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
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Planted orchid arrangements, from Orchids by Hausermann in Illinois, will adorn the tables.—Hannah Kirby, jsonline.com, 14 Feb. 2026 Make sure the orchid gets bright, indirect light for six to eight hours indoors, and use a grow light if needed.—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 13 Feb. 2026 John has started sending her white orchids instead of red roses because that’s the only kind Calvin allows in the office.—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2026 Watch for special events tied to the exhibit, including a silent disco on Feb. 21 and March 21; orchid sales on March 14, 15 and 26; and special hours for photographers on Tuesdays.—Jennifer Day, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 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
: 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