orphanage
n. countablen. a home or institution where children who have lost their parents live and are cared for.
n. a residential institution dedicated to the care and education of children whose parents are deceased or otherwise unable to care for them.
The local orphanage provides a safe home for many children.
After the war, the city established a large orphanage to support the many children left without families.
While modern social work often prioritizes foster care, historical narratives frequently depict the orphanage as a central setting for stories of resilience and personal growth.
Attested since the 1570s; orphan + -age.
Often used in historical or literary contexts; modern social services typically use terms like 'children's home' or 'foster care system'.