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

Explanation

To christen a person is to name them, especially in a church baptism ceremony. Your parents may have christened you after a great-grandparent, giving you the same first name. Even if you were christened "Tom Smith" at birth, your friends might give you a nickname, christening you "Pickles" and referring to you that way for the rest of your life. Objects can be christened too: "I hereby christen this car Scooby Doo the Subaru!" When it happens as part of a religious ceremony, being christened means being officially admitted to a Christian church — and the word's Old English root literally means "make 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

But having the captain of the men’s national team come to christen the site, then engage some three dozen players, ages 9 to 13, in training drills, was priceless.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 1, 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

On the first Sunday in September, we had the Whitlaws down to help us christen Dragonwings.

From "Dragonwings" by Laurence Yep