godmother

noun

god·​moth·​er ˈgäd-ˌmə-t͟hər How to pronounce godmother (audio)
: a woman who sponsors a person at baptism

Examples of godmother in a Sentence

Her aunt is also her godmother.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
She was famously known for being the godmother of popstar Miley Cyrus, whom she’s collaborated with many times over the years, helping to keep her relevant to the younger generations. — Jessica Vacco-Bolaños, StyleCaster, 25 Aug. 2026 Parton is the godmother of Cyrus’ daughter, pop star Miley Cyrus, who hasn’t yet commented on Parton’s death. — Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026 Growing up, Wald came to know Goodall not simply as the celebrated primatologist the rest of the world knew, but as a family friend and godmother. — Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026 In 2015, after the birth of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s daughter Princess Charlotte, Laura was asked to be a godmother. — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for godmother

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of godmother was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing godmother

Rhymes for godmother

See All Rhymes for godmother

Browse Nearby Words

God-manhood
godmother
Godolphin
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Cite this Entry

“Godmother.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/godmother. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

godmother

noun
god·​moth·​er ˈgäd-ˌmət͟h-ər How to pronounce godmother (audio)
also ˈgȯd-
: a female sponsor at baptism

More from Merriam-Webster on godmother

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about godmother

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