goddaughter
Americannoun
noun
Usage
What does goddaughter mean? A goddaughter is a girl who’s the godchild of one or more godparents—people who have pledged to help with her 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. Goddaughters are often related to their godparents (a girl might be her aunt’s goddaughter, 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 goddaughter.
Etymology
Origin of goddaughter
before 1050; Middle English; Old English goddohtor; see origin at god, daughter
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.
Epstein declined, saying he had promised his goddaughter he "would not be godfather to anyone else".
From BBC • Feb. 28, 2026
Reportedly, new-age country artist Tanner Adell, rapper pivoting into folk, Post Malone, and even Parton's goddaughter, Miley Cyrus — who has also covered "Jolene" — will all be a part of the project.
From Salon • Mar. 28, 2024
He meets his ambitious goddaughter Helena Shaw, an obnoxious thief looking to steal the Dial from a museum and sell it to the highest bidder.
From Washington Times • Dec. 15, 2023
He was immediately taken with Helena, Indy’s goddaughter, played with a light English swagger by Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 14, 2023
It can tell you the incredible story of Georges Melies, his wife, their goddaughter, and a beloved clock maker whose son grew up to be a magician.
From "The Invention of Hugo Cabret" by Brian Selznick
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
