christen

[ kris-uhn ]

verb (used with object)

1. to receive into the Christian church by baptism; baptize.
2. to give a name to at baptism:

   They christened her Mary.

3. to name and dedicate:

   to christen a ship.

4. to make use of for the first time.

christen

/ ˈkrɪsən /

verb

1. to give a Christian name to in baptism as a sign of incorporation into a Christian Church
2. another word for baptize
3. to give a name to (anything), esp with some ceremony
4. informal.
   to use for the first time

Derived Forms

• ˈchristener, noun

Other Words From

• christen·er noun
• re·christen verb (used with object)
• un·christened adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of christen¹

before 900; Middle English cristenen, Old English cristnian, derivative of cristen Christian

Word History and Origins

Origin of christen¹

Old English cristnian, from Crīst Christ

Example Sentences

The exhibits – such as a christening robe, toys, and letters - captures the sense of love, loss and loneliness which they experienced.

From BBC

The opening of Tiana’s gives the newly christened Bayou Country its centerpiece attraction.

From Los Angeles Times

The subjects we chewed over were almost exclusively technical topics, or history, or the sprawling, self-serving institution that Dwight Eisenhower christened the military-industrial complex.

From Salon

Even his first official game in a Dodgers jersey, in spring training in late February, was christened by an opposite-field Camelback Ranch home run.

From Los Angeles Times

“We’ve been playing with a name for a while,” Mayor Rex Richardson said, noting that a news release touting the program had been delayed days because of christening purposes.

From Los Angeles Times