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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 notes

In plain EnglishA place where orphaned children live and are looked after.

Common pairings
grow up in an orphanage run an orphanage

Word forms

orphanages plural

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She grew up in an _____ after losing both parents young.

Etymology

Recorded since the 1570s, built from orphan + -age.

· First attested 1570

Class of 1570 orphanage joined the language around 1570.
See the full Class of 1570 →
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.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial