WordGarden.iochristen
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /krˈɪstən/
US
- /ˈkrɪsən/
Meanings
Verb
to baptize someone, especially while giving them a Christian name
to give a name to someone or something
to use or celebrate something for the first time
Beyond the definition
To christen something isn't just about giving it a name—it's about officially bestowing that name with a sense of ceremony or dedication. Think of a grand ship launching, splashed with champagne as someone declares, "I christen thee..." That is the classic image! Originally, the word meant to baptize—often with the giving of a name—and to welcome a person into the Christian church. While it still carries that formal weight today, we also use it more casually. You might "christen" a new house by hosting a celebratory first gathering, or "christen" a new pair of shoes by wearing them on a long walk. It's all about marking a beginning with a specific gesture.
The word "christen" has a rich history rooted in religious tradition, but its meaning has broadened significantly over the centuries. Originally, to christen meant to administer the sacrament of baptism—specifically, the act of naming a person as they are received into the Christian faith. The verb is related to the words "Christ" and "Christian," linking the act of naming with Christian baptism.
Today, while the religious context remains common, "christen" is also widely recognized in formal naming ceremonies, particularly for ships. The iconic image of a bottle of champagne shattering against the bow of a vessel as it is "christened" illustrates the word perfectly. This act isn't just about labeling the ship; it's a ritual meant to dedicate the vessel to the sea and, traditionally, to wish it good luck on future journeys.
Beyond formal ceremonies, "christen" has found a popular place in figurative and colloquial English. You can "christen" a new project or venture, meaning to give it an official start or launch (e.g., "We christened the new office with a ribbon-cutting ceremony"). Even more informally, it is often used to describe using something for the very first time. If you spill a drop of coffee on a brand-new rug, you might jokingly say you've "christened" it. This usage implies a "baptism by fire" or simply the inaugural use of an object.
So, whether it is a ship setting sail, a baby being welcomed into a faith, or simply wearing a new coat for the first time—to christen is to bestow a name or a beginning with purpose, dedication, and often, a touch of celebration.
Examples
- 1
Religious ceremony
They plan to christen the baby at the village church next Sunday.
- 2
Official naming
The new ferry was christened *Sea Star* in a ceremony at the harbor.
- Patternchristen + object + name
officially give it that name
- 3
Media label
Local newspapers quickly christened the unfinished tower "the Glass Giant."
- Patternchristen + person/place/thing + name or label
give it that name or label, often in writing
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- receive into the church
Contrast
- secular naming
Used with (collocations)
- christen a child
- christen the baby
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- christenverb
Forms
- christenedpast tenseverb
- christening-ing formverb
- christensverb