Godchild

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Godchild

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun

Pronunciation

GOD-chyld  /ˈɡɒdtʃaɪld/

Definition

A child in relation to their godparent; a person for whom another has stood as godparent at a Christian baptism, taking responsibility for their religious upbringing.

Plain meaning

A godchild is the child a godparent has taken spiritual responsibility for at baptism. The godparent commits to supporting the child's religious upbringing.

Register

Neutral to formal. Godchild is used naturally in religious, family, and social contexts. The relationship it names is well-understood across Christian and formerly Christian cultures even when the religious content has diminished.