orphanage

[awr-fuh-nij]

noun

1. an institution for the housing and care of orphans.

2. the state of being an orphan; orphanhood.

3. Archaic.,  orphans collectively.

orphanage

/ ˈɔːfənɪdʒ /

noun

1. an institution for orphans and abandoned children

2. the state of being an orphan

Word History and Origins

Origin of orphanage¹

First recorded in 1530–40; orphan + -age

Example Sentences

They lauded the orphanage’s “amazing team on the ground” and asked for donations to finance its continuation.

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He had over $270,000 socked away at Bank of America in three accounts—all getting closed by the bank—including one for his charity that supports churches and orphanages in Uganda.

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Braekhus was adopted from an orphanage in Cartagena at the age of two and grew up in Sandviken, a neighbourhood of Bergen.

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It has also been found in wild elephant herds and in some sanctuaries and elephant orphanages.

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Instead of re-homing the children with their relatives, the youngsters were held in orphanages and used as political pawns.

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