# christening

/ˈkɹɪsənɪŋ/ (US) · /kɹˈɪstənɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/christening
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

a religious ceremony where a baby is given a name. It is a common tradition in many Christian families.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.