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Definition of foundling

foundling

/ˈfaʊnd.lɪŋ/
found · ling
Plural:foundlings
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foundling Lexical Profile

foundling Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An infant who has been abandoned by its parents and discovered and cared for by others.

Example

"In the nineteenth century, charitable hospitals were established to shelter and educate the city's foundlings."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for foundling

• Rhymes for foundling

• Nearby Words

foundationless
founder
founding
foundling
foundress
foundry
fount

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English foundeling, formed from founden (past participle of finden, "to find") plus the diminutive and nominal suffix -ling.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Foundling. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/foundling
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