- 1[countable, uncountable] change (in/to something) the act or result of something becoming different a change in the weather important changes to the tax system There was no change in the patient's condition overnight. She is someone who hates change. social/political/economic change
Definitions on the go
Look up any word in the dictionary offline, anytime, anywhere with the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary app.
something new and interesting - 2a change [singular] change (from something) the fact of a situation, a place, or an experience being different from what is usual and therefore likely to be interesting, enjoyable, etc. Finishing early was a welcome change. Let's stay in tonight for a change. Can you just listen for a change?
- 3[countable] change (of something) change (from something to something) the process of replacing something with something new or different; a thing that is used to replace something a change of address a change of government a change from agriculture to industry There will be a crew change when we land in Dallas. Let's get away for the weekend. A change of scenery (= time in a different place) will do you good. of clothes
- 4change of clothes, etc. [countable] an extra set of clothes, etc. She packed a change of clothes for the weekend. I keep a change of shoes in the car. money
- 5[uncountable] the money that you get back when you have paid more money for something than the amount it costs Don't forget your change! That's 40 cents change. Keep the change! The ticket machine gives change. see chump change
- 6[uncountable] coins rather than paper money Do you have any change for the phone? a dollar in change (= coins that together are worth one dollar) I didn't have any small change (= coins of low value) to leave as a tip. He puts his loose change on his dresser. Could you give me change for a ten dollar bill (= coins or bills that are worth this amount)? Thesaurusmoney
- cash
- change
- bills
- money money in the form of coins or paper notes:I counted the money carefully. Where can I change my money into dollars? paper money (= money that is made of paper, not coins)
- cash money in the form of coins or paper notes:How much cash do you have on you? Payments can be made by credit card or in cash.
- If it is important to contrast money in the form of coins and notes and money in other forms, use cash:How much money/cash do you have on you? Payments can be made by credit card or in money. Customers are offered a discount if they pay money.
- change the money that you get back when you have paid for something giving more money than the amount it costs; coins rather than paper money:The ticket machine doesn't give change. I don't have any small change (= coins of low value).
- bills paper money rather than coins:The machine only accepts small bills (= $20 or less).
- to get (out)/take out/withdraw money/cash
- ready money/cash (= money that you have available to spend immediately)
- small change/bills
of bus/train/plane - 7[countable] an occasion when you go from one bus, train, or plane to another during a trip The trip involved three changes.
- 8the change [singular] (informal) = menopause Idioms
difference
a person, thing, situation, etc. that is better/worse than the previous or present one Voters see the new leader as a change for the better.
if you have a change of heart, your attitude toward something changes, usually making you feel more friendly, helpful, etc. Dan did not want to get married but recently he's had a change of heart.
an act of changing what you think about a situation, etc.
(used especially by journalists) an event or a series of events that has started to happen and will cause important changes or results The winds of change were blowing through the banking world.
Check pronunciation: change