baptism

noun

bap·​tism ˈbap-ˌti-zəm 

 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 

 especially Southern  bab-

adjective

baptismally

bap-ˈtiz-mə-lē 

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.

Synonyms

• inauguration
• inaugural
• initiation

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

Cristian Gabriel Montes, 35, was celebrating the baptism of his son and his daughter's birthday when he was shot dead shortly after midnight on July 27, according to the San Luis Obispo Tribune, KDFW and KXAS. —Chris Spargo, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025

For generations, the church and its adjoining school have served as Windom’s anchor — the site of weddings, baptisms, bake sales, Boy Scout Christmas tree lots and the ever-popular SeptemberFest featuring pie, live music and an outdoor Mass. —Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2025

There is a kind of death here, one where the musician leaves behind bits of her past self, but more than anything, the album feels like a baptism. —Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2025

Gradually, the church developed communal practices for reconciliation after baptism. —Timothy Gabrielli, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English baptisme

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing baptism

• baptism by fire
• baptism of fire

Kids Definition

baptism

noun

bap·​tism ˈbap-ˌtiz-əm 

1

: the act or ceremony of baptizing

2

: an act or experience that baptizes

a soldier's baptism of fire

baptismal

bap-ˈtiz-məl 

adjective

baptismally

-mə-lē 

adverb