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

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From BBC

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.

From Los Angeles Times

Doris was known for her frankness, as well as for refusing to make the salad for Neil the Baby's christening.

From BBC