godchild

[ god-chahyld ]

noun

, plural god·chil·dren.

1. a child for whom a godparent serves as sponsor at baptism.
2. a child for whom a godparent serves as sponsor.

godchild

/ ˈɡɒdˌtʃaɪld /

noun

1. a person, usually an infant, who is sponsored by adults at baptism

Word History and Origins

Origin of godchild¹

Middle English word dating back to 1175–1225; god, child

Example Sentences

Ito, another Leary godchild, told of flying in when he heard his dear friend was about to die.

From The Daily Beast

This is a case in which the old town at home remained, of course, much more important than its godchild.

From Project Gutenberg

If you are chosen godfather, you are expected to send a silver mug to your godchild.

From Project Gutenberg

Letter has just come, and I am demented about my new godchild!

From Project Gutenberg

Phineas Finn had been, as it were, adopted by her as her own political offspring,—or at any rate as her political godchild.

From Project Gutenberg

There were two babies now; and she and Anton had a godchild apiece.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• care

More About Godchild

What does godchild mean?

A godchild is a person who has one or more godparents—people who have pledged to help with their upbringing, especially in a religious way.

In some denominations of Christianity, when a child is baptized, they are sponsored by (usually two) adults who pledge to help in this way. Those adults are the child’s godparents, and the child is their godchild.

Godchildren are often related to their godparents (a boy might be his aunt’s godson, for example), but they don’t need to be.

Godparents also often pledge to become the godchild’s guardian if needed (in the event that the child’s parents die).

These terms are all sometimes applied outside of a religious context—parents may choose close relatives or friends to act as godparents for their children without any religious aspect to the relationship.

A godparent can still refer to their godchild with that term even after the child becomes an adult.

Example: Some people are godparents in name only, but Kelly and Chris spend as much time as they can with their godchild.

Where does godchild come from?

Godchild is an old word, with the first records of its use coming from around 1200. Even though the word God is usually capitalized in the context of Christianity, it’s spelled lowercase in some general terms, such as godliness.

In some Christian denominations, people officially become godparents to their godchild at the child’s baptism by making specific pledges to assist with their religious upbringing. Some parents, though, choose godparents for their child simply by asking them to have a special presence in their godchild’s life (and often to act as the child’s guardians if something should happen to them). This may or may not involve a religious aspect.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to godchild?

• godchildren (plural)

What are some words that share a root or word element with godchild? 

 

• God
• child
• goddaughter
• godson
• godparent
• godmother
• godfather
• grandchild

What are some words that often get used in discussing godchild?

 

• baptism
• sponsor
• nephew
• niece
• relationship
• guardian

How is godchild used in real life?

The word godchild is especially associated with the relationship that’s made official during the Christian ceremony of baptism, but it’s also used in nonreligious contexts.

My godchild was born today and I love him so much already. 😭💙

— Ashley✨ (@_AshleeyDiaaz) August 17, 2020

Earlier my godchild was crying and as soon as I let her hold my Fendi sunglasses she stopped… her taste is impeccable even before she turned one

— Sid🥂 (@sidneysays__) August 20, 2020

I feel old. All my godchildren and my niece and nephew are adults 😫

— Terry Twinspin/Phil Airtime 🏳️‍🌈 (@hbafilmshorts) August 17, 2020

 

 

Try using godchild!

Is godchild used correctly in the following sentence?

I try to be a good godmother by always sending my godchild something for his birthday.