Definition

1. Noun:
   • A Christian ceremony of baptism and naming: A "christening" is a religious ceremony, typically in Christian traditions, where an infant is baptized and given a Christian name. It formally welcomes the child into the Christian community.
   • A naming ceremony: By extension, "christening" can refer to any ceremony for officially naming something, such as a ship or a bell, though this usage is metaphorical.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • We attended the baby's christening at the local church last Sunday.
  • The family held a small celebration after the christening ceremony.
  • The ship's christening will be performed by the sponsor breaking a bottle of champagne against the hull.

Advanced Usage

• "to be christened" (verb, passive voice): To receive a name at a baptism or naming ceremony.
  • The baby was christened "Eleanor" after her grandmother.
  • The new research vessel was christened "The Explorer."

Variants and Related Words

• Christen (verb): To perform the ceremony of baptism and naming.
  • They will christen their daughter next month.
• Christening gown (noun): The special white dress worn by an infant during the ceremony.
• Christening party (noun): The celebration held after the ceremony.

Synonyms

• Baptism: The sacrament of admission to the Christian Church, often involving the use of water. (Note: "Baptism" is the broader sacrament, while "christening" specifically highlights the naming aspect.)
• Naming ceremony: A non-religious term for an event where a name is formally given.

Related Phrases

• A wet christening: An informal phrase sometimes used to describe a baptism involving full immersion or a significant amount of water.
• Christening present/gift: A gift given to a child on the occasion of their christening.

Related Idioms

• To christen something (with something): To use something for the first time, often in a celebratory or inaugural manner. This is a metaphorical extension.
  • We christened the new barbecue by grilling steaks for all our neighbors.
  • He christened his new running shoes with a 10-kilometer race.

Noun

1. giving a Christian name at baptism