godmother

noun

god·​moth·​er ˈgäd-ˌmə-t͟hər How to pronounce godmother (audio)
: a woman who sponsors a person at baptism

Examples of godmother in a Sentence

Her aunt is also her godmother.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Swift, who is the godmother of one of Lively's children and has frequently been seen in public with her, was dragged into the suit last month. Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 19 June 2025 She's got several siblings, so she's been the godmother twice now. Angela Andaloro, People.com, 17 June 2025 Pappas was also Aaron Trinidad’s teacher at St. Helen, and later became his godmother. Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2025 Swift is the godmother of Lively and Ryan Reynolds' four children. Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for godmother

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of godmother was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Godmother.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/godmother. Accessed 23 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

godmother

noun
god·​moth·​er ˈgäd-ˌmət͟h-ər How to pronounce godmother (audio)
 also  ˈgȯd-
: a female sponsor at baptism

More from Merriam-Webster on godmother

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!