Search Dictionary
Definition of christen

christen

/ˈkrɪs.ən/
chris · ten
Past Simple:christened
•
Past Participle:christened
•
Present Participle:christening
JUMP TO:

christen Lexical Profile

christen Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To give a baby a name at a Christian ceremony of baptism as a sign of admission to a Christian church.

Example

"The parents decided to christen their daughter at the historic parish church where they were married."

2

To give a name or nickname to a person or thing, especially ceremonially as when launching a new ship.

Example

"The mayor was invited to christen the newly constructed research vessel by breaking a bottle of champagne across its bow."

3

To use something for the first time (informal).

Example

"We decided to christen the new oven by baking a batch of homemade sourdough bread."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for christen

• Rhymes for christen

• Nearby Words

chris
christ
christchurch
christen
christendom
christening
christian

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'cristnian' (to make Christian or baptize), derived from 'cristen' (Christian), which ultimately traces back to Latin 'Christianus' and Ancient Greek 'Khristos' (the anointed one).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Christen. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/christen
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.