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baptism

noun
bapĀ·​tism | \ Ėˆbap-ĖŒti-zəm How to pronounce baptism (audio) , especially Southern Ėˆbab-\

Definition of baptism

1a : a Christian sacrament marked by ritual use of water and admitting the recipient to the Christian community
b : a non-Christian rite using water for ritual purification
c Christian Science : purification by or submergence in Spirit
2 : an act, experience, or ordeal by which one is purified, sanctified, initiated, or named
Other Words from baptism Synonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about baptism

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Other Words from baptism

baptismal \ bap-​Ėˆtiz-​məl How to pronounce baptismal (audio) , especially Southern  bab-​ \ adjective
baptismally \ bap-​Ėˆtiz-​mə-​lē How to pronounce baptismally (audio) \ adverb

Did You Know?

In Christianity, baptism is the sacrament of admission to the church, symbolized by the pouring or sprinkling of water on the head or by immersion in water. The ceremony is usually accompanied by the words ā€œI baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.ā€ In the doctrine originated by St. Paul, it signifies the wiping away of past sins and the rebirth of the individual into a new life. Judaism practiced ritual purification by immersion, and the Gospels report that John the Baptist baptized Jesus. Baptism was an important ritual in the early church by the first century ce, and infant baptism appeared c. 200 ce. Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and most Protestant churches practice infant baptism. The Anabaptist reformers insisted on adult baptism after a confession of faith; modern Baptists and the Disciples of Christ also practice adult baptism.

Examples of baptism in a Sentence

There were over 100 baptisms at our church last year. He received the sacrament of baptism as an infant.

Recent Examples on the Web

 From Religion Foundation sent a similar letter of complaint to a high school in south Alabama complaining that the schoolā€™s role in the baptism of 18 student football players violated legal standards on separation of church and state. — Greg Garrison | [email protected], al, "Freedom From Religion group complains about back-to-school worship service," 31 July 2019 But my baptism came on a gleeful school trip to north Wales spent bouldering among the granite crannies of Snowdonia. — National Geographic, "Why the worldā€™s most daunting mountains inspire me," 11 Apr. 2019 At his christening, Archie wore a replica of the Honiton lace and satin gown commissioned by Queen Victoria for the baptism of her namesake daughter in 1841. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Vox, "Royal baby Archie will have a huge impact on Britainā€™s economy," 18 July 2019 Baby Archie was christened at Windsor Castle on July 6, and while the religious ceremony was private, the Sussexes' did release two photos to the public in honor of the baptism. — Caroline Hallemann, Town & Country, "Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Just Arrived at the Lion King Premiere," 14 July 2019 Markleā€™s ex-wife, Doria Ragland of Los Angeles, was among the small contingent of close family and friends at the baptism of Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor in Windsor Castleā€™s private chapel. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Racing starts next week, but Del Marā€™s Joe Harper already is a winner," 11 July 2019 Harry and Meghan plan to release official photos of the baptism later. — Washington Post, "Royal baby Archie to have private Windsor Castle christening," 6 July 2019 The gown is an exact replica of the dress that Queen Victoria commissioned for the royal baptism of her daughter Victoria in 1841. — Megan Mccluskey, Time, "It's Almost Time for Royal Baby Archie's Christening. Here's Everything We Know So Far.," 5 July 2019 The paper added that the royal baby will also be dressed in an exact replica of the historic royal christening gown, which was commissioned by Queen Victoria and first used in 1841 for the baptism of her eldest daughter, Princess Victoria. — Matthew Robinson, CNN, "Meghan and Harry release new photo of Archie for Father's Day," 16 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'baptism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of baptism

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for baptism

Middle English baptisme

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More Definitions for baptism

baptism

noun
How to pronounce baptism (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of baptism

: a Christian ceremony in which a small amount of water is placed on a person's head or in which a person's body is briefly placed under water

See the full definition for baptism in the English Language Learners Dictionary

baptism

noun
bapĀ·​tism | \ Ėˆbap-ĖŒti-zəm How to pronounce baptism (audio) \

Kids Definition of baptism

: the act or ceremony of baptizing

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More from Merriam-Webster on baptism

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with baptism

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for baptism

Spanish Central: Translation of baptism

Nglish: Translation of baptism for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of baptism for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about baptism

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