rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryorphanChild without parents
noun / verb / adjective

orphan

OR-fuhn/ˈɔːrfn/

A child whose parents have died or are absent.

The young orphan places a flower on each parent's grave.

A young child stands alone before two adjacent graves marked “Mom” and “Dad,” placing a flower on each.
Etymology
orphanGreekdeprived, without parents

Greek orphanos expressed being deprived, specifically being without parents. English uses the word for a bereaved child, generally one who has lost both parents.

In context

United States Institute of Peace71:02
if he's an orphan like he lost his parents when he was young or he lost his parents due to the war
Youth at War, Youth Building Peace, Youth on the Margins

More examples

  • Her grandparents raised her after she became an orphan.
  • The accident orphaned two children.
  • The orphan boy now lives with his aunt.
  • The remaining glove is an orphan without its matching partner.

Forms

orphan · orphans · orphaned · orphaning

orphanage noun — A home for children without parental care.

Similar words

foundling
An abandoned infant whose parents are usually unknown.
waif
A homeless or neglected child whose parents may still live.