christen

verb

chris·​ten ˈkri-sᵊn 

christened; christening ˈkri-sə-niŋ 

ˈkris-niŋ

transitive verb

1

a

: baptize sense 1

was christened when he was three months old

b

: to name at baptism

They christened the baby Anne.

2

: to name or dedicate (something, such as a ship) by a ceremony that often involves breaking a bottle of champagne

3

: name sense 1

The newspaper christened her as the reigning Queen of Tennis.

4

: to use for the first time

They christened the new ballpark with a win.

Synonyms of christen

• name
• call
• dub
• nominate
• designate
• label
• title
• term
• denominate
• entitle
• baptize

Examples of christen in a Sentence

He was christened when he was three months old.

They christened the baby Anna.

The politician was chosen to christen a new ship.

The newspaper has christened her as the reigning Queen of Tennis.

They christened the new ball park with a win.

Recent Examples on the Web

Parents in Latin America are already christening a new generation of babies after the stars of the World Cup. — CNN Money, 18 July 2026

The main theater at the company’s offices in Los Angeles is named the David Keighley Theater, christened as such by Nolan in a 2015 ceremony. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 17 July 2026

The 170-footer, the T52 Vitruvius that now has been christened Spirit, was designed with wellness and privacy in mind—and, of course, a connection to the sea itself. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 14 July 2026

In November 2021, Lucas was christened alongside cousin August Brooksbank, with Queen Elizabeth in attendance, People reported. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 13 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English cristnen, from Old English cristnian, from cristen Christian, from Latin christianus

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for christen

• bisson
• frisson
• glisten
• listen
• nissen
• hemolysin
• rifampicin

Kids Definition

christen

verb

chris·​ten ˈkris-ᵊn 

christened; christening ˈkris-niŋ 

-ᵊn-iŋ

1

: baptize sense 1

2

a

: to name at baptism

christened the baby Robin

b

: to name or dedicate in a ceremony like that of baptism

christen a ship