christening
Americannoun
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the ceremony of baptism, especially as accompanied by the giving of a name to a child.
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a public ceremony in which a new ship is formally named and launched.
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an act or instance of naming or dedicating something new.
noun
Etymology
Origin of christening
Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; see origin at christen, -ing 1
Vocabulary lists containing christening
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.
They enact for their confused rescuer the story of the forgotten fairy at the christening, the curse and the spindle—and then go back to sleep.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026
Porteous has received royal commissions in the past from Prince William and Catherine, including for behind the scenes moments from Louis' christening.
From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026
Then came her indie darling christening, courtesy of Emma Seligman’s “Shiva Baby” in 2020, when she moved to Los Angeles, followed by breakout roles in 2022’s “Bodies Bodies Bodies” and 2023’s “Bottoms.”
From Salon • Nov. 2, 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
Who did the Cossacks need to go to if they wanted to open their churches for a christening service or for a marriage or a funeral?
From "The Chosen" by Chaim Potok
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.
