Definition

A child who has been abandoned and is without known parents.

Example

The orphanage took in a foundling who was left on their doorstep.

Conversation

Did you hear about that foundling they discovered downtown?

Yeah, I read about it! It's so sad to think about how they ended up alone.

I can't imagine being a foundling without knowing who your parents are.

It must be really tough, but hopefully they'll find a loving family soon.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Foundling → It is formed from "found" (from Old English *fundian*, meaning to find) and the suffix "-ling" (meaning a small or young one). A foundling is a young child who has been found, typically abandoned and left without care.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who has been 'found' ('found') as a small or young one ('-ling'). This helps you remember that a foundling is a child who has been discovered, often abandoned.

Visually Confused Words