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Foundling: meaning, definitions and examples

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foundling

 

[ ˈfaʊndlɪŋ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

abandoned child

A foundling is a baby that has been abandoned by its parents and is found by someone else.

Synonyms

abandoned child, found child, orphan.

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Word Description / Examples
foundling

Used to describe an infant who has been abandoned by their parents and found by someone else, often used in historical or literary contexts.

  • In the old story, a kind couple found a foundling on their doorstep one winter night
abandoned child

Refers to a child who has been left by their parents or guardians without any care or support, often used in legal or social service contexts. This term carries a negative connotation.

  • The authorities are looking for the parents of the abandoned child found at the park
orphan

Refers to a child whose parents are deceased. Commonly used in general conversations, literature, and legal contexts.

  • After the tragic accident, John became an orphan and was taken in by his grandparents
found child

Used in more neutral or clinical contexts to describe a child who has been discovered without their parents or guardians, often after being lost.

  • The police have issued a report about a found child who was wandering near the shopping mall

Examples of usage

  • The police found a foundling on the doorstep of the orphanage.
  • She grew up as a foundling, not knowing her biological parents.
  • The hospital staff took care of the foundling until they could find a suitable foster family.

Translations

Translations of the word "foundling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 encontrado

🇮🇳 लावारिस बच्चा

🇩🇪 Findelkind

🇮🇩 anak terlantar

🇺🇦 підкинутий

🇵🇱 podrzutek

🇯🇵 捨て子

🇫🇷 enfant trouvé

🇪🇸 expósito

🇹🇷 bulunmuş çocuk

🇰🇷 유기아

🇸🇦 لقيط

🇨🇿 nalezenec

🇸🇰 nájdenec

🇨🇳 弃婴

🇸🇮 najdenček

🇮🇸 fundarbarn

🇰🇿 тастанды бала

🇬🇪 ნაპოვნი ბავშვი

🇦🇿 tapıntı uşaq

🇲🇽 expósito

Etymology

The term 'foundling' originated in the 15th century, derived from the Middle English word 'foundling', which means an abandoned infant or child. Foundlings were often left at churches, orphanages, or other public places with the hope that they would be cared for. The concept of foundlings has been present in many cultures throughout history, highlighting the societal concern for abandoned children.

See also: foundable, foundation, foundational, founded, founder, founders, profound, unfounded.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,206, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.