christening

noun

chris·​ten·​ing ˈkris-niŋ How to pronounce christening (audio)
ˈkri-sə-niŋ
: the ceremony of baptizing and naming a child

Example Sentences

The whole family was invited to the christening.
Recent Examples on the Web The couple publicly referred to their daughter Lilibet as Princess Lilibet for the first time while announcing her christening, which took place in a private ceremony last Friday at the duke and duchess’s home in Montecito, California. Carrie Wittmer, Glamour, 8 Mar. 2023 Between 20 and 30 people attended the christening, which was held at Harry and Meghan’s home in Montecito, Calif., including Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland, People reported. Marisa Dellatto, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2023 People revealed on Wednesday that Prince Harry and Meghan held a christening for Princess Lilibet last Friday, in a small ceremony at their California home. Hope Coke, Glamour, 9 Mar. 2023 Godmothers HRH Princess Marie Chantal of Greece, Sabine Getty, and Eugenie Niarchos also wore bespoke Mary Katrantzou gowns, all inspired by the colors of the christening, which were green, red, yellow, and blue. Alexandra Macon, Vogue, 29 Nov. 2022 Vista will debut in Europe with Harry Connick Jr. performing at a christening event May 8 in Valletta, Malta before arriving to Miami in October, sailing to Los Angeles and back before settling in for four months of round-trip Caribbean itineraries. Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 27 Feb. 2023 Her houndstooth coat evoked the red, black, and white Moschino look that Diana wore to Princess Eugenie's Sandringham christening in December 1990. Quinci Legardye, Harper's BAZAAR, 26 Feb. 2023 Aaron is there to serve as godfather for his good friends’ toddler — a christening canceled the year before when 39-year-old Kim Gillespie disappeared. Sun Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2023 The search consumed the next few days, and the christening was postponed. Marion Winik, Washington Post, 3 Feb. 2023 See More

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

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near christening

Cite this Entry

“Christening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/christening. Accessed 31 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

christening

noun
: the ceremony of baptizing and naming a child
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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