n. & v.
n. 1 a the act or an instance of making or becoming different. b an alteration or modification (the change in her expression). 2 a money given in exchange for money in larger units or a different currency. b money returned as the balance of that given in payment. c = small change. 3 a new experience; variety (fancied a change; for a change). 4 a the substitution of one thing for another; an exchange (change of scene). b a set of clothes etc. put on in place of another. 5 (in full change of life) colloq. the menopause. 6 (usu. in pl.) the different orders in which a peal of bells can be rung. 7 (Change) (also 'Change) hist. a place where merchants etc. met to do business. 8 (of the moon) arrival at a fresh phase, esp. at the new moon.
v. 1 tr. & intr. undergo, show, or subject to change; make or become different (the wig changed his appearance; changed from an introvert into an extrovert). 2 tr. a take or use another instead of; go from one to another (change one's socks; changed his doctor; changed trains). b (usu. foll. by for) give up or get rid of in exchange (changed the car for a van). 3 tr. a give or get change in smaller denominations for (can you change a ten-pound note?). b (foll. by for) exchange (a sum of money) for (changed his dollars for pounds). 4 tr. & intr. put fresh clothes or coverings on (changed the baby as he was wet; changed into something loose). 5 tr. (often foll. by with) give and receive, exchange (changed places with him; we changed places). 6 intr. change trains etc. (changed at Crewe). 7 intr. (of the moon) arrive at a fresh phase, esp. become new. change colour blanch or flush. change down engage a lower gear in a vehicle. change gear engage a different gear in a vehicle. change hands 1 pass to a different owner. 2 substitute one hand for another. change one's mind adopt a different opinion or plan. change of air a different climate; variety. change of heart a conversion to a different view. change over change from one system or situation to another. change-over n. such a change. change step begin to keep step with the opposite leg when marching etc. change the subject begin talking of something different, esp. to avoid embarrassment. change one's tune 1 voice a different opinion from that expressed previously. 2 change one's style of language or manner, esp. from an insolent to a respectful tone. change up engage a higher gear in a vehicle. get no change out of sl. 1 fail to get information from. 2 fail to get the better of (in business etc.). ring the changes (on) vary the ways of expressing, arranging, or doing something. changeful adj. changer n.
[ ME f. AF chaunge, OF change, changer f. LL cambiare, L cambire barter, prob. of Celt. orig. ]