orphan
noun
a child who has lost both parents through death, or, less commonly, one parent.
orphaned
-
past participleof orphan.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof orphan.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
orphannouna child who has lost both parents through death, or, less commonly, one parent.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The BBC understands Ahmadzai, who left Afghanistan after being orphaned aged 15, lives in Greece with his American wife and their child.
From BBC ● Aug. 5, 2026
Incumbency can also be a drag on a candidate if orphaned voters dislike their track record, even if their opponent is even further from those voters politically.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 3, 2026
The Greek army was orphaned, without provisions or protection, a very long way from home.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 27, 2026
The calf, which has been named Bumpy, was "just days old" when it became orphaned, according to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, a charity whose keepers are now taking care of it.
From BBC ● May 6, 2026
Born in Mississippi, Minnie Williams and her younger sister, Anna, were orphaned at an early age and sent to live with different uncles.
From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson
