orchard
Americannoun
-
an area of land devoted to the cultivation of fruit or nut trees.
-
a group or collection of such trees.
noun
-
an area of land devoted to the cultivation of fruit trees
-
a collection of fruit trees especially cultivated
Etymology
Origin of orchard
before 900; Middle English orch ( i ) ard, Old English orceard; replacing ortyard, Middle English ortyerd, Old English ortigeard (compare Gothic aurtigards garden), equivalent to ort- (combining form akin to wort 2; later identified with Latin hortus garden) + geard yard 2
Explanation
An orchard is a tree garden. If you visit New England in autumn, make sure to stop by a local apple orchard and pick a few baskets to take home. From the Old English orceard blossomed our modern-day spelling of orchard, a noun meaning “fruit farm.” But you can also use the word figuratively to refer to something filled with treats or precious content. The US Congregational minister, Henry Ward Beecher, was famous for having proclaimed, “A book is a garden, an orchard, a storehouse, a party, a company by the way, a counselor, a multitude of counselors.”
Vocabulary lists containing orchard
The Balcony Scene from "Romeo and Juliet"
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"Mending Wall," by Robert Frost
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"Water at Work"
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Other impressive features on the grounds include a saltwater pool; vegetable gardens; a wildflower meadow; an orchard of cherry, apple, and peach trees; and a sports court—ideal for Paul’s training.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026
Hofvendahl became passionate about gardening in Altadena, where he turned their double lot into an orchard, with more than 150 fruit trees, many of them exotics.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 17, 2025
Other external amenities include a greenhouse, beautiful lawns and gardens, an orchard, and a pool and spa, according to a previous listing.
From MarketWatch • Dec. 15, 2025
“The freshness of an orchard? The warmth of a blooming flower garden? The windswept allure of the coastline?”
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 2, 2025
"Bronden is right. We must make our choice," said Strong Jonn, who was the keeper of the orchard.
From "Rowan of Rin" by Emily Rodda
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
