christening

1 of 2

noun

chris·​ten·​ing kri-sə-niŋ 

ˈkris-niŋˈ

: the ceremony of baptizing and naming a child

christening

2 of 2

present participle of christen

Examples of christening in a Sentence

Noun

The whole family was invited to the christening.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip didn’t announce the name of their eldest son, the now-King Charles, for nearly a month after his birth, waiting until his christening to confirm the name of the future monarch. — Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026

Speaking during the christening ceremony for the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel Lone Star State, Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought announced the Golden Defender project. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 18 July 2026

Her cousin Prince Harry (who’s long been close to mom Zara) is reportedly Lena’s godfather, and attended her christening with wife Meghan Markle in 2019, per People. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 13 July 2026

The young family, who’ve chosen this new, secular tradition instead of a christening to welcome their child to the world, are there a day before the ceremony to meet up with core family members. — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for christening

• glistening
• listening

Kids Definition

christening

noun

: the ceremony of baptizing and naming a child