First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
christen
verb chris·ten \ˈkri-sən\
: to baptize (someone)
: to name (someone) at baptism
: to officially give (something, such as a ship) a name in a ceremony that often involves breaking a bottle of champagne
chris·tenedchris·ten·ing \ˈkris-niŋ, ˈkri-sə-niŋ\
Full Definition of CHRISTEN
transitive verb
1
a : baptize 1 b : to name at baptism
2
: to name or dedicate (as a ship) by a ceremony suggestive of baptism
3
: name 1
4
: to use for the first time
See christen defined for English-language learners
See christen defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of CHRISTEN
Middle English cristnen, from Old English cristnian, from cristen Christian, from Latin christianus
Related to CHRISTEN
Other Christian Religious Terms
CHRISTEN Defined for Kids
christen
verb chris·ten \ˈkri-sən\
chris·tenedchris·ten·ing
Definition of CHRISTEN for Kids
1
: baptize 1
2
: to name at baptism <The parents christened the baby Robin.>
3
: 2name 1 <… it would be a long time before they forgot the giant, three-headed dog he'd christened “Fluffy.” — J. K. Rowling, Chamber of Secrets>
4
: to name or dedicate (as a ship) in a ceremony
Learn More About CHRISTEN
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: ChristendiePrevious Word in the Dictionary: christcross–rowAll Words Near: christen
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up christen? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).