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

But “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” is less concerned about the aristocracy than what life is like for smallfolk like Dunk, an orphan who spent his early childhood scraping by in Flea Bottom.

From Salon • Jan. 17, 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

“Tell your orphan pikins to come out,” a gruff voice ordered.

From "Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina" by Michaela DePrince