christen: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal for religious context; Informal for figurative/extended use.
Quick answer
What does “christen” mean?
To give a name to someone during the Christian ceremony of baptism.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To give a name to someone during the Christian ceremony of baptism.
To use or present something for the first time; to give a name or nickname to something or someone.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use it identically in religious contexts. The figurative use ('to christen a new ship') is slightly more common in British English.
Connotations
In both, the religious sense is formal/sacred. The figurative sense often carries connotations of celebration, tradition, or informal ceremony.
Frequency
Low-to-medium frequency. More common in contexts discussing tradition, ceremonies, or nautical events.
Grammar
How to Use “christen” in a Sentence
[SUBJ] christen [OBJ] {with [NAME]}[OBJ] be christened {[NAME]} / {as [NAME]}[SUBJ] christen [OBJ] [OBJ-COMP: NAME]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “christen” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The vicar will christen their daughter in the village church next Sunday.
- They christened the new lifeboat 'The Spirit of Hope' with a bottle of champagne.
American English
- The baby was christened Michael at the cathedral.
- He christened his new truck by taking it on a road trip to Colorado.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in metaphorical contexts like 'christen a new product line'.
Academic
Used in historical, religious, or sociological texts discussing baptismal rites.
Everyday
Primarily in announcements of a baby's baptism or humorously for first use of an object ('I'll christen my new jeans by spilling coffee on them').
Technical
Nautical term for the ceremony of naming and launching a ship.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “christen”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “christen”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “christen”
- Using 'christen' for any naming (too specific). Incorrect: 'They christened their company "TechGlobal".' Better: 'They named their company...' unless a ceremonial launch is implied.
- Spelling confusion: 'Christan', 'Christon'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Originally and primarily, yes. However, its figurative use for any ceremonial naming or first use (like a ship) is standard and secular.
They are often synonyms in the religious context. However, 'christen' specifically emphasizes the naming aspect of the baptism ceremony, while 'baptize' emphasizes the religious rite of washing/purification.
Yes, figuratively. It means to use something for the first time in a way that celebrates or marks the occasion, or to give it a name (e.g., 'christen a new pair of shoes', 'christen a pub').
The related nouns are 'christening' (the ceremony or event) and 'Christening' as a proper noun for the ceremony itself (e.g., 'We're going to a Christening').
To give a name to someone during the Christian ceremony of baptism.
Christen is usually formal for religious context; informal for figurative/extended use. in register.
Christen: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrɪs(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkrɪs(ə)n/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to christen something with a bottle of champagne (e.g., a ship)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CHRISTen' – it involves CHRIST in a naming ceremony. For the extended meaning: the first use 'makes it Christian' (i.e., officially named).
Conceptual Metaphor
NAMING IS BAPTIZING / FIRST USE IS A CEREMONIAL INITIATION.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'christen' LEAST appropriate?