noun
Uncommon
baptism
BAP-tih-zuhm
Baptism (noun) means a Christian ceremony of initiation in which a person is sprinkled with or immersed in water, symbolically welcoming them into the church. Example: “The baby's baptism took place at the family's local parish.”
noun
1
A Christian ceremony of initiation in which a person is sprinkled with or immersed in water, symbolically welcoming them into the church.
"The baby's baptism took place at the family's local parish."
"She was baptized as an adult after joining the church."
"Friends and relatives gathered at the church for the baptism of their newborn son."
2
Figuratively, any difficult or formative first experience that tests or introduces someone to something new.
"Losing his first big client was a real baptism into running a business."
"Her first week on the busy ward was a real baptism of fire."
"Teaching a class of thirty restless children was his baptism into working life."
How to use baptism
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe Christian ritual of being welcomed into the church with water; also used figuratively for a tough first experience.
Common pairings
baptism by fire
infant baptism
baptism ceremony
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Word forms
- Plural
- baptisms
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The baby's _____ took place at the family's local parish.
Etymology
From Old French bapteme, from Late Latin baptisma, from Greek baptisma ("dipping, immersion"), from baptizein ("to dip in water"). It replaced the native Old English word fulwiht.
Synonyms
View more →
christening
initiation rite
Antonyms
de-baptism
debaptism
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “baptism” mean?
The word “baptism” means a Christian ceremony of initiation in which a person is sprinkled with or immersed in water, symbolically welcoming them into the church. In plain terms, the Christian ritual of being welcomed into the church with water; also used figuratively for a tough first experience.
How do you pronounce “baptism”?
“Baptism” is pronounced BAP-tih-zuhm (/ˈbæptɪzəm/ in IPA).
How do you use “baptism” in a sentence?
Here is “baptism” used in a sentence: “The baby's baptism took place at the family's local parish.”
What is the opposite of “baptism”?
The opposite of “baptism” — its antonyms — are de-baptism and debaptism.
What part of speech is “baptism”?
“Baptism” is a noun.
Where does the word “baptism” come from?
The word “baptism” comes from Late Latin. From Old French bapteme, from Late Latin baptisma, from Greek baptisma ("dipping, immersion"), from baptizein ("to dip in water"). It replaced the native Old English word fulwiht.
Is “baptism” a common word?
“Baptism” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “baptism” have?
“Baptism” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a Christian ceremony of initiation in which a person is sprinkled with or immersed in water, symbolically welcoming them into the church.
What is the difference between baptism and christening?
Baptism is the Christian ceremony of initiation itself, involving sprinkling with or immersion in water to welcome someone into the church. Christening often refers to the same ceremony specifically when performed on an infant, sometimes also including the naming of the child, though the terms overlap significantly in everyday use.
Is baptism always performed by immersion in water?
No, baptism can involve either sprinkling with water or full immersion, depending on the Christian tradition or denomination performing the ceremony. Both methods serve the same symbolic purpose of initiating a person into the church.
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