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. See baptize
   another word for baptize
3. to give a name to (anything), esp with some ceremony
4. informal.
   to use for the first time

Derived Forms

• ˈchristener, noun

Other Words From

• christen·er noun
• re·christen verb (used with object)
• un·christened 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

The gayborhood, Boystown has been re-christened as “Northalsted” to promote inclusion.

From Washington Blade

When she was born in 2004, her parents asked their friend Vladimir Putin, then a few years into his reign in Russia, to christen her in the Orthodox tradition they all share.

From Time

The restaurant didn’t hold back by christening its Sunday event as the “Bitchiest Brunch.”

From Washington Blade

The wait is generally worth it, with new glades, bowls, and buttery runs to christen.

From Outside Online

It will be used to create a new building which will be christened The Poonawalla Vaccines Research Building.

From Quartz

“There are members of the Jackson family that have been from the beginning against Paris doing this film,” Christen says.

From The Daily Beast

“The other person we had to convince to agree was her grandmother Katherine,” Christen says.

From The Daily Beast

“We had access to the French medical files from Percy and those files were really well done,” Christen says.

From The Daily Beast

Christen says their strict criteria for involvement were all met.

From The Daily Beast

Now, little girl, you stand here and say: 'I christen thee White Swan.'

From Project Gutenberg

I told him the story of Colonel Train's life, and that we were going to christen the new vessel with his name.

From Project Gutenberg

In the absence of a better name, fellows, I hereby christen this waterway Snake Creek; any objections?

From Project Gutenberg

At his smile and nod she had said in a high clear voice, "I christen thee Star Lord!"

From Project Gutenberg

So we have decided, now, to christen our Troop by that name.

From Project Gutenberg