christening

[ kris-uh-ning, kris-ning ]
/ ˈkrɪs ə nɪŋ, ˈkrɪs nɪŋ /

noun

the ceremony of baptism, especially as accompanied by the giving of a name to a child.
a public ceremony in which a new ship is formally named and launched.
an act or instance of naming or dedicating something new.

Origin of christening

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; see origin at christen, -ing1

Definition for christening (2 of 2)

christen
[ kris-uh n ]
/ ˈkrɪs ən /

verb (used with object)

to receive into the Christian church by baptism; baptize.
to give a name to at baptism: They christened her Mary.
to name and dedicate: to christen a ship.
to make use of for the first time.

Origin of christen

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

OTHER WORDS FROM christen

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

Example sentences from the Web for christening

British Dictionary definitions for christening (1 of 2)

christening
/ (ˈkrɪsənɪŋ) /

noun

the Christian sacrament of baptism or the ceremony in which this is conferred

British Dictionary definitions for christening (2 of 2)

christen
/ (ˈkrɪsən) /

verb (tr)

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

Derived forms of christen

christener, noun

Word Origin for christen

Old English cristnian, from Crīst Christ