christen

American  

[kris-uhn] / ˈkrɪs ən /

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.

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christen British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of christen

before 900; Middle English cristenen, Old English cristnian, derivative of cristen Christian

Example Sentences

Leftover pizza gets cut up, crisped on the stove and mixed into scrambled eggs—a remnant from Duggal’s college days that she has christened “pizza eggs.”

From The Wall Street Journal

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.

From BBC

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

From BBC

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.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From Salon