change

play

verb \ˈchānj\

Definition of change

changed

;

changing

transitive verb
1a : to make different in some particular : alter never bothered to change the willb : to make radically different : transform can't change human naturec : to give a different position, course, or direction to changed his residence from Ohio to California
2a : to replace with another let's change the subjectb : to make a shift from one to another : switch always changes sides in an argumentc : to exchange for an equivalent sum of money (as in smaller denominations or in a foreign currency) change a 20-dollar billd : to undergo a modification of foliage changing colore : to put fresh clothes or covering on change a bed
intransitive verb
1 : to become different her mood changes every hour
2 of the moon : to pass from one phase (see ¹phase 1) to another
3 : to shift one's means of conveyance : transfer on the bus trip he had to change twice
4 of the voice : to shift to lower register : break His voice started to change when he turned 13.
5 : to undergo transformation, transition, or substitution winter changed to spring
6 : to put on different clothes need a few minutes to change for dinner
7 : exchange, switch neither liked his seat so they changed with each other

changer

noun

change hands

: to pass from the possession of one owner to that of another money changes hands many times

See change defined for English-language learners

See change defined for kids

Examples of change in a sentence

Her mood changes every hour.
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.
Life changed him from an optimist into a pessimist.
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

Origin and Etymology of change

Middle English, from Anglo-French changer, from Latin cambiare to exchange, probably of Celt origin; akin to Old Irish camm crooked

First Known Use: 13th century

Synonym Discussion of change

change, alter, vary, modify mean to make or become different. change implies making either an essential difference often amounting to a loss of original identity or a substitution of one thing for another. changed the shirt for a larger size alter implies a difference in some particular respect without suggesting loss of identity. slightly altered the original design vary stresses a breaking away from sameness, duplication, or exact repetition. vary your daily routine modify suggests a difference that limits, restricts, or adapts to a new purpose. modified the building for use by the disabled

change

noun

Definition of change

1 : the act, process, or result of changing: such asa : alteration a change in the weatherb : transformation a time of vast social change going through changesc : substitution a change of sceneryd : the passage of the moon from one monthly revolution (see revolution 1a) to another; also : the passage of the moon from one phase (see ¹phase 1) to anothere : menopause
2 : a fresh set of clothes
3 British : exchange 5a
4a : money in small denominations received in exchange for an equivalent sum in larger denominationsb : money returned when a payment exceeds the amount due a cashier quick at making changec : coins especially of low denominations a pocketful of changed : a negligible additional amount only six minutes and change left in the gamee : money 1 cost a large chunk of change
5 : an order in which a set of bells is struck in change ringing
6 : changeup

See change defined for English-language learners

Examples of change in a sentence

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?

Origin and Etymology of change

see ¹change

First Known Use: 13th century

CHANGE Defined for English Language Learners

change

play

verb \ˈchānj\

Definition of change for English Language Learners

: to become different
: to make (someone or something) different
: to become something else

CHANGE Defined for Kids

change

play

verb \ˈchānj\

Definition of change for Students

changed

;

changing

1 : to make or become different changing autumn leaves I like how you've changed this room.
2 : to give a different position, course, or direction to I changed my plans.
3 : to put one thing in the place of another : switch Our teacher made us change places.
4 : to give or receive an equal amount of money in usually smaller units of value or in the money of another country Can you change a ten-dollar bill?
5 : to put fresh clothes or covering on change a bed
6 : to put on different clothes We always change for dinner.

change hands

: to pass from one person's possession or ownership to another's The restaurant has changed hands.

change

play

noun

Definition of change for Students

1 : the act, process, or result of making or becoming different There's been a change in plans. a change of seasons
2 : something that is different from what is usual or expected The trip was a welcome change from our routine.
3 : a fresh set of clothes Pack several changes for your vacation.
4 : money in small units of value received in exchange for an equal amount in larger units Do you have change for a ten-dollar bill?
5 : money returned when a payment is more than the amount due Don't forget your change.
6 : money in coins I have two dollars in change.