NYT Dictionary

ORCHID

/ˈɔɹ.kɪd/
NounAdjectiveOR-chidor-chid · 2 syllablesGrade 9

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2025, 2026

Meaning

A plant of the orchid family (Orchidaceae), bearing unusually-shaped flowers of beautiful colours.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English

From New Latin Orchideae, Orchidaceae, an irregular formation from Latin orchis, from Ancient Greek ὄρχις (órkhis, “orchid, testicle”) (ostensibly from the shape of the roots). Supplanted Middle English ballokwort (literally “testicle plant”).

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

orchideaamethystineflowerlavenderlividmagentamauvepigmentplumpurple

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 2 recorded puzzles:

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