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.

The man who became Buddy Bradley was born Clarence Bradley Epps in 1905 in Clarkesville, Ga. Orphaned at 14, he moved to Harrisburg, Pa., and soon went to work as a busboy.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

Orphaned in childhood, Chira had to drop out of university due to a lack of fees.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2024

Orphaned at a young age and living in poverty and despair, Dennis Kasumba has found purpose in pursuing his dream to become Uganda’s first MLB player.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2023

Orphaned wells can also emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas that causes climate change.

From Washington Post • Dec. 2, 2022

Orphaned children, some with American fathers and Vietnamese mothers, eat a meal in an orphanage, 1972.

From "Boots on the Ground: America's War in Vietnam" by Elizabeth Partridge