Translate change | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish Definition of change
verb
1make or become different: [with object]:a proposal to change the law [no object]:a Virginia creeper just beginning to change from green to gold make or become a different substance entirely; transform: [with object]:filters change the ammonia into nitrate [no object]:computer graphics can show cars changing into cheetahs [no object, with complement] alter in terms of:the ferns began to change shape [no object] (of traffic lights) move from one color of signal to another. [no object] (of the moon) arrive at a fresh phase; become new.
2 [with object] take or use another instead of:she decided to change her name move from one to another:she changed jobs incessantly change sides [no object] move to a different train, airplane, or subway line. give up (something) in exchange for something else:we changed the shades for vertical blinds remove (something dirty or faulty) and replace it with another of the same kind:change a light bulb put a clean diaper on (a baby or young child). engage a different gear in a motor vehicle:wait for a gap and then change gears figurativewith business concluded, the convention changes gear and a gigantic circus takes over the town exchange (a sum of money) for the same amount in smaller denominations or in coins, or for different currency. [no object] put different clothes on:he changed for dinner
noun
1the act or instance of making or becoming different:the change from a nomadic to an agricultural society environmental change the substitution of one thing for another:a change of venue an alteration or modification:a change came over Eddie’s face a new or refreshingly different experience:couscous makes an interesting change from rice [in singular] a clean garment or garments as a replacement for clothes one is wearing:a change of socks (the change or the change of life) informal menopause. the moon’s arrival at a fresh phase, typically at the new moon.
2coins as opposed to paper currency:a handful of loose change money given in exchange for the same amount in larger denominations. money returned to someone as the balance of the amount paid for something:I watched him pocket the change
3 (usually
changes)
an order in which a peal of bells can be rung.
4 (Change or 'Change) British historical a place where merchants met to do business.
