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

Full of shuffling drum beats and impassioned vocals, the album nestles perfectly beside the likes of Teddy Swims and Hozier, with a sound that Sam has christened Frontier Soul.

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By mid-September, only a small number of theaters were still showing Highest 2 Lowest, including an Alamo Drafthouse in Brooklyn that last year was christened the Spike Lee Cinema.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Bitcoin had risen nine out of the previous 11 Octobers before this year, according to Dow Jones Market Data, leading to some bulls christening the month “Uptober.”

Read more on Barron's

The album's sound was christened "neo-soul" - and its influence is still being felt three decades after its release.

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

Read more on The Wall Street Journal