christening

[kris-uh-ning, kris-ning]

noun

1. the ceremony of baptism, especially as accompanied by the giving of a name to a child.

2. a public ceremony in which a new ship is formally named and launched.

3. an act or instance of naming or dedicating something new.

ˈchristening

/ ˈkrɪsənɪŋ /

noun

1. the Christian sacrament of baptism or the ceremony in which this is conferred

Word History and Origins

Origin of christening¹

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; christen, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

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

From BBC

After delays caused by construction and permitting in the wake of L.A.’s January fires, the venue will open its doors in mid-August with local favorite Robert Glasper christening the new venue Aug. 14 and 15.

From Los Angeles Times

"Anthony Pierce was a man entrusted to preside over christenings, funerals, weddings and prayers," she added.

From BBC

The houseboat is safe, as is the Windmill Chapel, where weddings, christenings and memorials are held.

From Los Angeles Times

And pretty quickly thereafter, some slamming winter rains did their own kind of christening and Prospect Bar got washed away, to be replaced almost at once by the even more grandly named Eldoradoville.

From Los Angeles Times