changed; changing
1
2
a
: to replace with another
let's change the subject
b
: to make a shift from one to another : switch
always changes sides in an argument
c
: to exchange for an equivalent sum of money (as in smaller denominations or in a foreign currency)
change a 20-dollar bill
d
: to undergo a modification of
foliage changing color
e
: to put fresh clothes or covering on
change a bed
1
: to become different
some things never change
2
: to undergo transformation, transition, or substitution
winter changed to spring
4
: to put on different clothes
need a few minutes to change for dinner
5
: to shift one's means of conveyance : transfer
on the bus trip he had to change twice
6
of the voice
: to shift to lower register : break
His voice started to change when he turned 13.
7
of the moon
: to pass from one phase (see phase entry 1 sense 1) to another
changer
noun
1
: the act, process, or result of changing: such as
a
: alteration
a change in the weather
b
: transformation
a time of vast social change
going through changes
c
: substitution
a change of scenery
d
: the passage of the moon from one monthly revolution (see revolution sense 1a) to another
also
: the passage of the moon from one phase (see phase entry 1 sense 1) to another
e
2
a
: money in small denominations received in exchange for an equivalent sum in larger denominations
b
: money returned when a payment exceeds the amount due
a cashier quick at making change
c
: coins especially of low denominations
a pocketful of change
d
: a negligible additional amount
only six minutes and change left in the game
e
: money sense 1
cost a large chunk of change
3
: a fresh set of clothes
4
British
: exchange sense 5a
5
: changeup
6
: an order in which a set of bells is struck in change ringing
Examples of change in a Sentence
Verb
He changed from an optimist to a pessimist.
The town has changed little in recent years.
These events have changed me in my attitude to life.
You can't change human nature.
Their relationship seems to have changed for the better.
The leaves change color from green to red in the fall.
She changed her name when she got married.
France has changed its monetary unit from the franc to the euro.
change the channel on the TV
Noun
There has been little if any change in her daily routine.
You shouldn't be afraid of change. Change is a natural part of life.
The years have brought many changes to the town's economy.
We need to make some changes in the system.
Many voters believe that it's time for a change.
We've had to make a slight change in the schedule.
a change for the worse
We've been so busy that a quiet day at home was a welcome change.
We eat at home a lot, so dining out sometimes is a nice change.
Have you got change for a $10 bill?
Recent Examples on the Web
Will Yakowicz, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
The next pope to change his name was Peter Canepanova in the 10th century, who became John XIV to avoid being called Peter II (more on that below), said Liam Temple, assistant professor in the history of Catholicism at the Centre for Catholic Studies at Durham University.
—Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 4 May 2025
Ted Johnson, Deadline, 5 May 2025
Illinois places implementing local grocery taxes List subject to change.
—Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for change
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Verb
According to the Brewers Association, craft beer production decreased 4% in 2024 over the prior year, the third consecutive decline as consumer preferences continue to change.
—Will Yakowicz, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
The next pope to change his name was Peter Canepanova in the 10th century, who became John XIV to avoid being called Peter II (more on that below), said Liam Temple, assistant professor in the history of Catholicism at the Centre for Catholic Studies at Durham University.
—Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 4 May 2025
Noun
As part of the daytime changes, Ana Cabrera‘s 10 a.m.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 5 May 2025
Illinois places implementing local grocery taxes List subject to change.
—Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for change
Cite this Entry
“Change.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/change. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
change
1 of 2 verb
changed; changing
1
: to make or become different : alter
2
: to give a different position, course, or direction to
4
: to give or receive an equal amount of money in usually smaller units of value or in a foreign currency
change a $10 bill
5
a
: to put fresh clothes or covering on
change a bed
b
: to put on different clothes
changer
noun
change
2 of 2 noun1
: the act, process, or result of changing
a change of seasons
a change for the better
2
: a fresh set of clothes
3
a
: money in small units of value received in exchange for an equal amount in larger units
b
: money returned when a payment is more than the amount due
c
: money in coins
d
: money sense 1a
cost a large chunk of change
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