orphan

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

My own grandmother came here as an orphan when she was 6 or 7 years old.

From Slate • Mar. 20, 2026

They moved on to the titular boxer in "Creed," tormented by his father's legacy, and the villainous Killmonger of "Black Panther," traumatized by being an orphan in a racist world.

From Barron's • Mar. 16, 2026

Initially, Dunk doesn’t know him to be anything other than an orphan in need of a purpose.

From Salon • Feb. 23, 2026

Grainier was an orphan who was sent to Idaho “at the age of six, or possibly seven,” as Mr. Patton tells us.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 20, 2025

Since our return from Jenkintown, I was working harder than ever to stay on Aunt Kitty’s good side and avoid the orphan house, the workhouse, or any other living arrangement that meant sending me away.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan