Orphan: meaning, definitions and examples

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orphan

[ ˈɔːrfən ]

^{Context #1}

child

A child whose parents are dead or have abandoned them.

Synonyms

foster child, foundling, ward

Examples of usage

He was an orphan at the age of five.
The orphanage provided shelter for many orphaned children.
Being an orphan, he had to learn to be independent at a young age.

^{Context #2}

animal

A young animal that has lost its mother.

Synonyms

calf, cub, pup

Examples of usage

The zookeepers took care of the orphaned baby elephant.
The orphaned kitten was adopted by a loving family.

Translations

Translations of the word "orphan" in other languages:

🇵🇹 órfão

🇮🇳 अनाथ

🇩🇪 Waise

🇮🇩 yatim piatu

🇺🇦 сирота

🇵🇱 sierota

🇯🇵 孤児 (こじ)

🇫🇷 orphelin

🇪🇸 huérfano

🇹🇷 yetim

🇰🇷 고아 (goa)

🇸🇦 يتيم (yateem)

🇨🇿 sirotek

🇸🇰 sirota

🇨🇳 孤儿 (gū'ér)

🇸🇮 sirota

🇮🇸 munaðarlaus

🇰🇿 жетім

🇬🇪 ობოლი (oboli)

🇦🇿 yetim

🇲🇽 huérfano

Word origin

The word 'orphan' originates from the Greek word 'orphanos', meaning 'bereft'. Throughout history, orphans have been a vulnerable group in society, often facing hardships and discrimination. Orphanages and foster care systems have been established to provide support and care for orphaned children. The concept of orphan animals also exists, highlighting the importance of caring for young animals who have lost their mothers.