orchard

noun

or·​chard ˈȯr-chərd How to pronounce orchard (audio)
Synonyms of orchard
: a planting of fruit trees, nut trees, or sugar maples
also : the trees of such a planting

Examples of orchard in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Shallow groundwater stores supported fruit orchards, alfalfa fields, livestock ranches and, at one point, a water park and dozens of manmade lakes where people could fish, sail and water ski. — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026 The north half — not a parking consideration — is now a community orchard. — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 3 Sep. 2026 Don’t miss apple picking from century-old orchards at Robinette’s Apple Haus and Winery. — Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026 Making these chubby little sweets may be even quicker than a drive to the orchard. — Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for orchard

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English ortgeard, from ort- (from Latin hortus garden) + geard yard — more at yard

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of orchard was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing orchard

Rhymes for orchard

See All Rhymes for orchard

Browse Nearby Words

orch
orchard
orchard bush
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Orchard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orchard. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

orchard

noun
or·​chard ˈȯr-chərd How to pronounce orchard (audio)
1
: a place where fruit or nut trees are grown
2
: the trees in an orchard

More from Merriam-Webster on orchard

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for orchard

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about orchard

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