godsend

[ god-send ]

/ ˈgɒdˌsɛnd /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR godsend ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

an unexpected thing or event that is particularly welcome and timely, as if sent by God.

Nearby words

godoy, godoy alcayaga, godoy cruz, godparent, godroon, godsend, godsent, godship, godslot, godson, godspeed

Origin of godsend

1805–15; earlier God's send, variant (by influence of send¹) of God's sond or sand, Middle English Godes sand (sand Old English: message, service)

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for godsend

When Hamas emerged as an increasingly powerful threat at the turn of the century, “Mosab was a godsend,” remembers Bar-Zohar.
When the Son of Hamas Spied for Israel|Nina Strochlic|August 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Today, Google Books and other searchable text databases have been a godsend.
The Oxford English Dictionary: The Original Crowdsourcer|Josh Dzieza|April 29, 2013|DAILY BEAST
These sticks are a great help, and the wooden crash-helmets—a comparatively recent invention—are a godsend.
Thatcher's Economic Legacy|Megan McArdle|April 8, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Plus, the Russian government decided to film the trial with as many as five cameras, which proved a godsend for the filmmakers.
Sundance’s Best Documentary: ‘Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer’|Marlow Stern|January 26, 2013|DAILY BEAST

For those struggling Olympians, a substantial paycheck would be a godsend.
Gabby Douglas, Ryan Lochte: Why Families of America’s Olympics Athletes Are Broke|Kevin Fallon|August 7, 2012|DAILY BEAST
To such a man as this Count, Mrs. Bailey's fortune would be a godsend.
The Chink in the Armour|Marie Belloc Lowndes
"Yes, you'll be a Godsend to us if you're a good shot, Wargrave," added the Commandant.
The Jungle Girl|Gordon Casserly
Death with honour was an advantage to him; death with disaster a boon; death with scandal was a godsend.
The Battle Of The Strong, Complete|Gilbert Parker
The presence of the Americans was a godsend to him, while he in turn was like a fresh breeze from the outer world to them.
When Dreams Come True|Ritter Brown
In the mad rush made by the always unpaid Turkish troops to secure this godsend, there were many casualties.
Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 148, February 3, 1915|Various

British Dictionary definitions for godsend

godsend

/ (ˈɡɒdˌsɛnd) /

noun

a person or thing that comes unexpectedly but is particularly welcome

Word Origin for godsend

C19: changed from C17 God's send, alteration of goddes sand God's message, from Old English sand; see send 1

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