foundling

/ˈfaʊndlɪŋ/

Definitions

1. noun

An infant or young child abandoned or deserted by its parents, typically without a known family or support.

“The charity helped care for the many foundlings in the city.”

2. noun

A person who is found or discovered, especially unexpectedly or in an obscure place.

“The archaeologists uncovered a long-lost city, home to a mysterious foundling tribe.”

Synonyms

  • abandoned child
  • orphans

Antonyms

  • adopted child
  • legitimate child