noun
Uncommon
orphanage
AW-fuh-nihj
Orphanage (noun) means a home or institution that houses and cares for orphaned children. Example: “She grew up in an orphanage after losing both parents young.”
noun
1
A home or institution that houses and cares for orphaned children.
"She grew up in an orphanage after losing both parents young."
How to use orphanage
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA place where orphaned children live and are looked after.
Common pairings
grow up in an orphanage
run an orphanage
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Word forms
- Plural
- orphanages
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She grew up in an _____ after losing both parents young.
Etymology
Recorded since the 1570s, built from orphan + -age.
Class of 1570
orphanage joined the language around 1570.
See the full Class of 1570 →
Synonyms
View more →
orphanhood
orphans' asylum
Related words
Rhymes for orphanage
See all rhymes for orphanage →Frequently asked questions
What does “orphanage” mean?
The word “orphanage” means a home or institution that houses and cares for orphaned children. In plain terms, a place where orphaned children live and are looked after.
How do you pronounce “orphanage”?
“Orphanage” is pronounced AW-fuh-nihj (/ˈɔː(ɹ)fənɪd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “orphanage” in a sentence?
Here is “orphanage” used in a sentence: “She grew up in an orphanage after losing both parents young.”
What part of speech is “orphanage”?
“Orphanage” is a noun.
Where does the word “orphanage” come from?
The word “orphanage” dates back to around 1570. Recorded since the 1570s, built from orphan + -age.
Is “orphanage” a common word?
“Orphanage” is an uncommon word in modern English.
