christening

American

[kris-uh-ning, kris-ning] / ˈkrɪs ə nɪŋ, ˈkrɪs nɪŋ /

noun

the ceremony of baptism, especially as accompanied by the giving of a name to a child.
a public ceremony in which a new ship is formally named and launched.
an act or instance of naming or dedicating something new.

ˈchristening British

/ ˈkrɪsənɪŋ /

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of christening

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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 • Nov. 22, 2025

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

From Salon • Oct. 31, 2025

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.”

From Barron's • Oct. 16, 2025

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 • Jun. 24, 2025

So we started up a specialty business of children’s christening gowns.

From "In the Time of the Butterflies" by Julia Alvarez

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023