Word
christening
Phoneticschris·ten·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkɹɪsənɪŋ/
UK/kɹˈɪstənɪŋ/
Religion
Definition
n. a religious ceremony where a baby is given a name. It is a common tradition in many Christian families.
n. a religious ceremony in which a baby is given a name and baptized. Often used to refer to the event itself rather than the act of baptism.
Examples
“The family is planning a christening for their new baby.”
“The christening took place in the local church on a Saturday morning, with many relatives attending to celebrate.”
“While the christening is a significant social event, the family chose to keep the ceremony private to allow for a more intimate gathering of close friends and family.”
Examples
simple
“The family is planning a christening for their new baby.”
contextual
“The christening took place in the local church on a Saturday morning, with many relatives attending to celebrate.”
complex
“While the christening is a significant social event, the family chose to keep the ceremony private to allow for a more intimate gathering of close friends and family.”
Etymology
From Middle English cristenynge, from Old English cristnung; compare christen + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/christening