godsend

American  

[god-send] / ˈgɒdˌsɛnd /

noun

1. an unexpected thing or event that is particularly welcome and timely, as if sent by God.

---

godsend British  

/ ˈɡɒdˌsɛnd /

noun

1. a person or thing that comes unexpectedly but is particularly welcome

---

Etymology

Origin of godsend

1805–15; earlier God's send, variant (by influence of send ¹ ) of God's sond or sand, Middle English Godes sand ( sand Old English: message, service)

Explanation

A godsend is something very lucky or helpful — some event or item for which you're incredibly thankful. If you don't have time for breakfast and forget to bring your lunch to school, your friend's extra slice of pizza is a godsend. If you're grateful for something, you can call it a godsend. A school snow day is a godsend if you're not quite ready for your chemistry midterm, and your homeowner's insurance is a godsend when a huge tree falls on your roof. In both of these examples, you are relieved and happy, and if you're a believer, you might say, "Thank God." In Middle English, it's Godes sonde, "gift from God."

Example Sentences

Australia's ban has been widely hailed as a godsend for parents sick of seeing children glued to their phones.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

As someone who doesn’t live near any family, I know that good neighbors can be a godsend.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

Beyond being a catalyst for small-business growth, this program has been a godsend for many mentors whose talents and expertise enter a new realm of importance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 29, 2026

This could be another godsend for missile makers.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 14, 2025

He mentioned that there was a working phone on Claiborne, and this was a godsend to Nasser.

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers

Related Words

• boon
• windfall