baptism

noun

bap·​tism ˈbap-ˌti-zəm How to pronounce baptism (audio)
 especially Southern  ˈbab-
1
a
: a Christian sacrament marked by ritual use of water and admitting the recipient to the Christian community
b
: a non-Christian rite using water for ritual purification
c
Christian Science : purification by or submergence in Spirit
2
: an act, experience, or ordeal by which one is purified, sanctified, initiated, or named
baptismal
bap-ˈtiz-məl How to pronounce baptism (audio)
 especially Southern  bab-
adjective
baptismally adverb

Did you know?

In Christianity, baptism is the sacrament of admission to the church, symbolized by the pouring or sprinkling of water on the head or by immersion in water. The ceremony is usually accompanied by the words “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” In the doctrine originated by St. Paul, it signifies the wiping away of past sins and the rebirth of the individual into a new life. Judaism practiced ritual purification by immersion, and the Gospels report that John the Baptist baptized Jesus. Baptism was an important ritual in the early church by the first century ce, and infant baptism appeared c. 200 ce. Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and most Protestant churches practice infant baptism. The Anabaptist reformers insisted on adult baptism after a confession of faith; modern Baptists and the Disciples of Christ also practice adult baptism.

Examples of baptism in a Sentence

There were over 100 baptisms at our church last year. He received the sacrament of baptism as an infant.
Recent Examples on the Web The number of baptisms dropped from 51 in 2018 to 27 in 2022, state convention records show. Frank E. Lockwood, arkansasonline.com, 10 Mar. 2024 The event, scheduled to run for 48 hours – from noon Friday to noon Sunday – will include group prayer, speeches and a few baptisms in the ranch’s baptismal pool, Bills said. USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2024 The length of the Lenten season was inspired by the 40 days that Jesus Christ spent in the desert following His baptism. Christine Rousselle, Fox News, 19 Feb. 2024 Now, the hall serves as a focal point for residents’ lives, often hosting baptisms, anniversary celebrations, quinceañeras and events put on by the community association and historical society. Jillian Atelsek, Washington Post, 14 Feb. 2024 Per church hat etiquette, women are allowed to keep their dress hats on in church, unless blocking anyone's view during a wedding or baptism. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2024 Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis’ official royal bios are much shorter than their parents’, each featuring brief details on their births, full names and baptisms. Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 31 Jan. 2024 Palmero alleges that Albert allowed Charlene to spend more than $650,000 on their lavish baptism. Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2024 When Coltrane began to play, the Kings say, the performance felt like a message from God—almost a baptism by sound. Jeff MacGregor, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'baptism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English baptisme

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of baptism was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near baptism

Cite this Entry

“Baptism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/baptism. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

baptism

noun
bap·​tism ˈbap-ˌtiz-əm How to pronounce baptism (audio)
1
: the act or ceremony of baptizing
2
: an act or experience that baptizes
a soldier's baptism of fire
baptismal adjective
baptismally adverb

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