noun
Uncommon
godfather
GOD-fah-thuh
Godfather (noun) means a man who sponsors a child's baptism and promises to help guide their religious upbringing. Example: “My uncle is my godfather.”
noun
1
A man who sponsors a child's baptism and promises to help guide their religious upbringing.
"My uncle is my godfather."
2
Someone regarded as a founding or guiding figure in a field.
"He is often called the godfather of punk rock."
3
Informal: the leader of an organized crime family.
"The film follows the rise of a mafia godfather."
How to use godfather
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA male godparent, or figuratively, the founding figure behind a movement or field.
Common pairings
godfather of
act as godfather
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Word forms
- Plural
- godfathers
- Third person singular
- godfathers
- Past tense
- godfathered
Fill the gap
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My uncle is my _____.
Etymology
From Old English godfaeder, a compound of god and father.
Rhymes for godfather
See all rhymes for godfather →Frequently asked questions
What does “godfather” mean?
The word “godfather” means a man who sponsors a child's baptism and promises to help guide their religious upbringing. In plain terms, a male godparent, or figuratively, the founding figure behind a movement or field.
How do you pronounce “godfather”?
“Godfather” is pronounced GOD-fah-thuh (/ˈɡɑdfɑðɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “godfather” in a sentence?
Here is “godfather” used in a sentence: “My uncle is my godfather.”
What part of speech is “godfather”?
“Godfather” is a noun.
Where does the word “godfather” come from?
The word “godfather” comes from Old English. From Old English godfaeder, a compound of god and father.
Is “godfather” a common word?
“Godfather” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “godfather” have?
“Godfather” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a man who sponsors a child's baptism and promises to help guide their religious upbringing.
