changeling
6 synonyms for changeling, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — In folklore, a fairy or troll child secretly swapped for a human baby.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
From change + the suffix -ling, which often denotes something small or immature.
Full origin of changeling →Frequently asked questions
What does “changeling” mean?
The word “changeling” means in folklore, a fairy or troll child secretly swapped for a human baby. In plain terms, a folklore creature swapped for a human child, or more broadly, a shape-shifter.
How do you pronounce “changeling”?
“Changeling” is pronounced CHAYNZH-lihng (/ˈt͡ʃeɪnd͡ʒlɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “changeling” in a sentence?
Here is “changeling” used in a sentence: “The old village legend claimed the sickly infant was a changeling left by the fairies.”
What part of speech is “changeling”?
“Changeling” is a noun.
How many meanings does “changeling” have?
“Changeling” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in folklore, a fairy or troll child secretly swapped for a human baby.
