orphan

or-phan · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (noun) A child whose parents are dead.

  2. 2.

    (noun) A person or thing that is without protective affiliation or sponsorship.

  3. 3.

    (verb) To cause to become an orphan.

  4. 4.

    (adjective) Bereft of parents; having no parent or guardian.

Forms

plural: orphans

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    war orphan — a child orphaned by war
  • •
    orphan drug — a pharmaceutical for a rare disease

Related words

See also: adoption, foster, orphanage, orphans
Synonyms: waif

Etymology

From Late Latin orphanus, from Greek orphanos ("bereaved, without parents").