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

Other Word Forms

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

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

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Last spring, as he neared his final season in the Premier League with Tottenham, an English journalist — who rated players on charity, personality and sportsmanship — christened Son the nicest player in soccer history.

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If the Rams pass rush wants to christen itself as the NFL’s most ferocious, the Houston Texans could offer a prime chance to showcase its “dangerous” capabilities.

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Newly christened, she became known for scat singing, a vocal style that originated with ragtime - which enabled her to improvise melodies using her voice as an instrument.

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And what had been a scoreless early ballgame suddenly became a 3-0 Brewers lead, with Vaughn going deep to left to christen his Brewers debut with a home run.

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