christen

American  

[kris-uhn] / ˈkrɪs ən /

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.

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christen British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• christener noun
• rechristen verb (used with object)
• unchristened adjective

Etymology

Origin of christen

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

Example Sentences

There is no reason to christen your freshly cleaned kitchen with a sink full of dishes.

From Salon • Mar. 19, 2026

“It was way too soon to christen Arch Manning as a quarterback that could lead a team to a national championship,” Kanell added.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 8, 2025

These commitments are important, as they give Kennedy something to wad up and christen his wastebasket with when he steps into his new office.

From Slate • Feb. 8, 2025

Harman said no to the political comeback but yes to Feinstein’s other idea, a series of dinners with influential Beltway women that Harman intends to now christen as the “DiFi dinners.”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 29, 2023

Fie would christen the building, which had been slated for demolition but featured sturdy concrete underpinnings, as the Radiation Laboratory.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik