Definition of "baptism" in English

noun

1. (Christianity) A Christian sacrament, by which one is received into a church and sometimes given a name, generally involving the candidate to be anointed with or submerged in water.

   • The child’s baptism was held at the old church.
   • The ceremony of baptism symbolizes spiritual rebirth.

2. A similar ceremony of initiation, purification or naming.

3. (philosophy) The moment at which an object is first assigned a proper name.