n. 1 a making or becoming different. b alteration or modification. 2 a money’exchanged for money in larger units or a different currency. b money returned as the balance of that given in payment. 3 new experience; variety (need a change). 4 substitution of one thing for another (change of scene). 5 (in full change of life) colloq. menopause. 6 (usu. in pL) one of the different orders in which bells can be rung. v. (ging) 1 undergo, show, or subject to change; make or become different. 2 a take or use another instead of; go from one to another (change one’s socks; changed trains). b (usu. foil. by for)give up or get rid of in exchange (changed the car for a van). 3 give or get money in exchange for. 4 put fresh clothes or coverings on. 5 (often foll. by with) give and receive, exchange. 6 change trains etc. 7 (of the moon) arrive at a fresh phase. o change down engage a lower gear. change gear engage a different gear. change hands 1 pass to a different owner. 2 substitute one hand for the other. change one’s mind adopt a different opinion or plan. change over change from one system or situation to another. change one’s tune 1 voice a different opinion from before. 2 become more respectful. change up engage a higher gear. get no change out of slang 1 get no information or help from. 2 fail to outwit (in business etc.). o changeful adj. changeless adj. [Latin cambio barter]
