1. children whose parents have died
Usage: plural of orphan

1. makes a child an orphan by causing the death of parents
Usage: third person singular present

Examples

• The war left many children as orphans.
• The orphanage cared for dozens of orphans.
• She volunteers at a home for orphans.
• The disease orphans thousands of children each year.
• The earthquake orphaned many young victims.
• Local families adopted several orphans from the shelter.