How to pronounce christen
Say it like KRIS-un. Christen has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KRIS).
- KRIS
- un
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Christen pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KRISSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of christen
American and British speakers say christen in essentially the same way: /ˈkrɪsən/ in the US and /ˈkrɪsən/ in the UK.
British respelling: KRIS-un.
What does christen mean?
- To perform the religious rite of baptism upon; to baptize.“The new baby was christened at the village church.”
- To name.“I christen this ship the Bonny Barnacle.”
- To use for the first time.“I christened my new boots today with a walk in the snow.”
Where does christen come from?
From Middle English cristenen, cristnien, from Old English cristnian (“to christen, baptise”), from cristen (“Christen, Christian”) + -nian.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- baptize
- baptise
Words that rhyme with christen
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of christen.
Questions about saying christen
How do you pronounce christen?
Say KRIS-un. The American pronunciation is /ˈkrɪsən/. In British English it is /ˈkrɪsən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in christen?
Christen has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KRIS). Broken into parts: KRIS · un.
Do Americans and Brits say christen the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈkrɪsən/ and the British form is /ˈkrɪsən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.