# orchid

/ˈɔɹkɪd/ (US) · /ˈɔːkɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/orchid
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. the plant

noun · CEFR B2

a plant that grows beautiful, strangely shaped flowers in many bright colours.

For teachers: any plant of the family Orchidaceae, noted for having flowers with a highly specialised structure and often vibrant pigmentation.

- He bought a white orchid for his mother because it looked so elegant in the pot.
- The botanist spent years studying how different species of orchid evolved specific shapes to attract particular types of pollinating insects.

Usage: Countable noun.

## Examples

- She bought a purple orchid for her office desk.
- The botanical garden features a climate-controlled room specifically for rare orchids that require high humidity.
- While many orchids are prized for their delicate aesthetic, certain species have evolved complex mimicry to attract specific pollinators, demonstrating a high degree of evolutionary specialization.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.