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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

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.