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

Known for her iconic one liners, Doris is well quoted by fans of the series - particularly when she refused to make the salad for Neil the Baby's christening.

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However, a few days after his birth they christened him, creating an official record that includes their names and address.

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In February 1947 the couturier Christian Dior harked back to the rosy autochrome with his first collection, “Corolle,” named for the petaled cup of a flower and later christened the New Look.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Before long he was entertaining our daughters by taking them to ship christenings.

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They took custody just after the baby was born, christening the little girl Sarah Frances Newby.

Read more on Salon