Skip to main content

orphanA child whose parents are dead

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: A child whose parents are dead

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈɔːrfən/

Example Sentences

  • Harry Potter became an orphan when Voldemort killed his parents, but at least he got magic powers as compensation!
  • The kind woman decided to adopt three orphans and suddenly realized her grocery bill tripled.
  • Many organizations work to provide education and care for orphaned children around the world.

orphan

NOUN

[/ˈɔːrfən/]

A child whose parents are dead

The little orphan clutched a worn teddy bear at the shelter's doorway.
💡 Concept

The little orphan clutched a worn teddy bear at the shelter's doorway.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈɔːrfən/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈɔːfən/

🌳Etymology

Rootorph
Suffix--an

Origin

The word derives from Greek orphanos, meaning 'left alone' or 'bereaved'. It passed through Latin orphanus and Old French orphelin before entering English, retaining its sense of a child deprived of parents.

Breakdown

Greek orphanos (alone, bereaved) → Latin orphanus → Old French orphelin → English orphan, with the suffix -an indicating the state or condition of being parentless.

🎵Rhyme

oftensoftencoffin
often
soften
coffin

🔗Collocations

orphan child
adopt an orphan
orphanage home
war orphan
orphan disease

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

Harry Potter became an orphan when Voldemort killed his parents, but at least he got magic powers as compensation!

😄 Fun example

The kind woman decided to adopt three orphans and suddenly realized her grocery bill tripled.

Many organizations work to provide education and care for orphaned children around the world.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

foundlingwaifwardabandoned child

Antonyms

child with parentsfamily member

Related

orphanageadoptionfosterguardiancustody

Want to master 19,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.