"Foundling" Pronounce,Meaning And Examples

"Foundling" Meaning

A foundling is a child who is abandoned or left without a known parent or guardian, usually at birth or a young age.

"Foundling" Examples

Usage Examples of "Foundling"

1. Definition and Example Sentence

A foundling is a person who is abandoned, especially as a child, and is not known to have any parents or family. "The foundling was taken in by the kind-hearted couple who lived in the small cottage on the outskirts of the town."

2. In Literature

In Charles Dickens' novel "Oliver Twist", the main character is a foundling who was taken in by a gang of thieves. "The discovery of the young boy's complete ignorance of his past life led to speculation that he might be a foundling, left to fend for himself on the streets."

3. In History

In medieval Europe, foundling hospitals were established to care for abandoned children. "During the 14th century, foundling hospitals became a common feature of European cities, providing refuge and support to vulnerable children."

4. In Real-Life Examples

In some African countries, foundlings are often referred to as "zakhele", which means "gift from God". "The local orphanage provides shelter and care to numerous foundlings, who are affectionately referred to as 'zakhele' by the staff."

5. In Idioms and Phrases

The phrase "foundling child" is sometimes used metaphorically to describe someone who is abandoned or left behind. "After her parents' sudden departure, she felt like a foundling child, adrift and alone in the world."