online vocabulary.com

Orphan - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

An orphan is a child whose parents have died or are absent, leaving them without parental care. The term can also refer to young animals without parents.

orphan

/ˈɔrfən/ /ˈɔːfən/

Definition:

A child whose parents are dead or absent, or something deprived of support or protection.

Synonyms:

waif, foundling, stray

Part of Speech:

noun, verb

Antonyms:

parented child, supported entity

Common Collocations:

orphan child, orphan boy, orphan girl, war orphan, orphan drug

Derivatives:

orphanage, orphanhood

Usage Tips:

Use "orphan" as a noun for a parentless child or as a verb meaning to deprive of support (e.g., "orphaned by war").

Common Phrases:

orphan of the storm, poor little orphan Annie, leave someone an orphan

Etymology:

From Greek "orphanos," meaning bereaved or parentless; entered English via Latin and Old French.

Examples:

  • 1. The kind couple adopted an orphan from the local shelter.
  • 2. After the accident, he was left an orphan at just ten years old.
  • 3. The novel tells the story of an orphan searching for her family.
  • 4. Many charities work to support orphans in war-torn regions.

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS