orphan
noun
a child who has lost both parents through death, or, less commonly, one parent.
orphans
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pluralof orphan.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
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present tense formof orphan (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
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.
But mainstream culture’s best-known Green Lanterns aren’t orphans or troubled.
From Salon ● Aug. 16, 2026
Between 1970 and 1989, 7,220 South Korean children were adopted in Denmark, almost all of whom were told they were street orphans.
From Barron's ● Jun. 4, 2026
Being raised by another sea otter rather than a human gives Sunny — like other orphans — the best chance of learning essential skills, he added.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 29, 2026
It prioritises vulnerable children, including amputees and orphans, and pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.
From BBC ● Nov. 29, 2025
"Collecting orphans? Does that lift an ounce of guilt? You have been among mortals too long. Gods should not suffer guilt. You are the goddess of war. Celebrate!"
From "City of the Plague God" by Sarwat Chadda
