orphanage

noun

or·​phan·​age ˈȯr-fə-nij How to pronounce orphanage (audio)
ˈȯrf-nij
1
: the state of being an orphan
2
: an institution for the care of orphans

Examples of orphanage in a Sentence

After the death of his parents, he was raised in an orphanage.
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.
Riggs’ 2011 novel launched his young adult, multi-genre series about a teenager discovers an orphanage for children with supernatural powers on the fictional Welsh island of Cairnholm. — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026 The name of the old orphanage was Evening Shade, because it was positioned in the back of the shade of these trees. — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026 The early-nineteenth-century town house, which Rauschenberg bought in 1965, once housed an orphanage and a convent. — News Desk, Artforum, 6 Aug. 2026 After her father died during a stint of temporary housing in Trieste, Italy’s new bordertown, Marisa was sent to live in an orphanage as her mother worked. — Julia Buckley, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for orphanage

Word History

Etymology

orphan entry 1 + -age, after Middle French orphelinage

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of orphanage was in 1579

Browse Nearby Words

orphan's court
orphanage
orphancy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Orphanage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orphanage. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

orphanage

noun
or·​phan·​age ˈȯrf-(ə-)nij How to pronounce orphanage (audio)
: an institution for the care of orphans

More from Merriam-Webster on orphanage

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about orphanage

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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