godsend

American  

[god-send] / ˈgɒdˌsɛnd /

noun

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

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godsend British  

/ ˈɡɒdˌsɛnd /

noun

1. a person or thing that comes unexpectedly but is particularly welcome

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Etymology

Origin of godsend

1805–15; earlier God's send, variant (by influence of send ¹ ) of God's sond or sand, Middle English Godes sand ( sand Old English: message, service)

Explanation

A godsend is something very lucky or helpful — some event or item for which you're incredibly thankful. If you don't have time for breakfast and forget to bring your lunch to school, your friend's extra slice of pizza is a godsend. If you're grateful for something, you can call it a godsend. A school snow day is a godsend if you're not quite ready for your chemistry midterm, and your homeowner's insurance is a godsend when a huge tree falls on your roof. In both of these examples, you are relieved and happy, and if you're a believer, you might say, "Thank God." In Middle English, it's Godes sonde, "gift from God."

Example Sentences

The measures, aimed at widening supply to push down prices, are a "godsend for Russia's shadow fleet," said Lloyd's analyst Bridget Diakun, referring to the opaque sanctions-busting tankers used by Russia.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

This week’s “Christmas miracle” storm has been a godsend for the California ski industry.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 26, 2025

Venezuela is a godsend from this point of view.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 3, 2025

This could be another godsend for missile makers.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 14, 2025

He started to apologize for the fact that there were no chairs in his son’s room—only floor cushions—but I quickly gave him to believe that for me this was little short of a godsend.

From "Nine Stories" by J. D. Salinger

Related Words

• boon
• windfall