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 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
Founded in 1977, the Sheldrick Wildlife is renowned for its care of orphaned elephants and rhinos, rescuing and reintegrating them into the wild.
From BBC ● May 6, 2026
An orphaned sea otter pup and a young adult female have found each other and a new home in Southern California.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 29, 2026
That certainly has been the case with orphaned oil wells, which also were built with promises of safety.
From Salon ● Apr. 27, 2026
He lived in Boys' Lodge with twelve other adolescent orphaned boys.
From "Son" by Lois Lowry
