Ork

Ork is a term used in fantasy and science fiction to denote a humanoid, often antagonistic or rival, creature. The spelling is a variant of the more common "orc," and in some franchises it is used to reflect specific lore, tone, or branding. While closely related to orc concepts, the exact biology, culture, and abilities of an Ork can vary by work.

In Warhammer 40,000 and related media, Orks are a green-skinned, hardy, and warlike species known for their improvisational technology and love of battle. They organize into tribes and mobs that form warbands, with no central government. Ork technology is notoriously ramshackle yet surprisingly effective, built from scavenged parts and driven by sheer aggression. Their culture centers on combat and conquest, reinforced by the psychic collective force known as a Waaagh!, which can mobilize large numbers of Orks. Deities such as Gork and Mork feature in their belief system, underscoring the importance of cunning and brutality.

Outside of Warhammer, Ork-like characters appear in various works as alternative spellings or interpretations of Orcs. The term is sometimes used to evoke a particular flavor—gritty, humorous, or exaggerated—within fantasy and gaming communities. In general, Ork serves as a flexible designation for a brutish or martial non-human race, distinct in tone from certain traditional depictions of Orcs.

See also Orc.