christening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "christening" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the ceremony of naming and dedicating something, often a ship or a child. Example: "The christening of the new vessel was a grand event attended by many dignitaries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

IT WAS meant to be a christening, but it turned into a funeral.

The Economist

Made in Syria or Egypt in the 14th century it came to be used at the christening of the royal infants of France, among them the future Louis XIII.

The Economist

Such a christening by traditionalist second-generation Greeks is far-fetched, but the author clearly couldn't resist.

The Economist

He and his partner Peristera (her name happens to mean "dove") have called one of their children Ernesto, after Che Guevara; this was offically proclaimed in a secular name-giving ceremony, not a church christening.

The Economist

Austin placed great emphasis on the ways in which illocutionary force is determined by the institutional setting in which an utterance is made; an utterance such as "I name this ship the Queen Elizabeth," for example, counts as a christening only in a special set of circumstances.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A poll showed that 84% of the Dutch approved of Zorreguieta's presence at the christening.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For a short time after its christening in 1849 by a hapless party of emigrants who endured intense suffering while crossing it, Death Valley was little known except to Native Americans (primarily Shoshone) of the area and to prospectors searching the surrounding mountains.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was the son of a clothworker from Malines (Mechelen), Spanish Netherlands, and a local woman, and the family had moved from Spanish-held Flanders to Haarlem in the free Netherlands by 1591 at the latest; the local town-hall records give this date for the christening of Frans's younger brother Dirck, who also became a painter.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Gardley's drama had the additional distinction of christening a distinctive new theatre building, Arena Stage of D.C.'s Arlene and Robert Kogod Cradle, an oval 200-seat forum for just-hatched plays.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The christening on June 12 of Princess Catharina-Amalia Beatrix Carmen Victoria (born Dec. 7, 2003), the daughter of Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and his wife, Princess Máxima, signaled a shift in attitudes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The christening of Henry John Temple in the "House of Commons church" of St. Margaret, Westminster, was appropriate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a "christening", consider the context. Is it a religious event, or are you referring to the naming or launching of something else, like a ship? Choose your wording to reflect the appropriate tone and formality.

Common error

Avoid using the term "christening" loosely for any naming event. Reserve it for contexts where there's a clear element of religious dedication or symbolic significance. For secular naming events, opt for terms like "naming ceremony" or "launch".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "christening" is as a noun, referring to the religious ceremony of baptism and naming. It can also function as a present participle of the verb 'christen', but the noun form is more frequently encountered, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "christening" is a commonly used noun primarily referring to the Christian sacrament of baptism and naming, but also applicable to the naming of objects like ships. Ludwig's analysis confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently encountered, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias. When using "christening", consider the context to ensure it aligns with the religious or ceremonial significance of the event. For secular naming events, alternatives such as "naming ceremony" or "launch" may be more appropriate. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, "christening" is a correct and usable term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

baptism ceremony

Focuses specifically on the religious sacrament aspect of a christening.

naming ceremony

Highlights the act of giving a name, applicable beyond religious contexts.

dedication service

Emphasizes the act of dedicating someone or something, often in a religious context.

launching ceremony

Specifically refers to the ceremony of launching a ship, sharing the aspect of bestowing a name.

inauguration

Formal ceremony marking the beginning of something, like a building or institution.

blessing ceremony

Highlights the act of bestowing a blessing, often associated with religious ceremonies.

anointing

Refers to the ritual act of applying oil, often signifying divine favor or consecration.

formal naming

A general term for officially assigning a name to someone or something.

rite of passage

Broader term encompassing various ceremonies marking significant life transitions.

consecration

Formal dedication to a sacred purpose, often involving a ceremony.

FAQs

What is the significance of a christening?

A "christening" is a Christian sacrament signifying the admission and naming of an individual (typically a child) into the Christian community. It involves baptism with water as a symbol of purification and new life.

What can I say instead of "christening" when referring to a non-religious event?

For non-religious naming events, you can use terms like "naming ceremony", "dedication", or "launching", depending on the context.

Is "christening" only for people?

While primarily associated with people, "christening" can also refer to the naming or dedication of objects, most notably ships. In these cases, it signifies the official naming and launch of the vessel.

What's the difference between "christening" and baptism?

"Christening" is often used as a synonym for baptism, especially in infant baptism. However, baptism is the broader term for the sacrament of initiation into Christianity, while "christening" specifically highlights the naming aspect within that ritual.