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.
The emotional compass of the United Farm Workers of America for decades, the petite mother of 14 attained singular stature as a rule-breaking proto-feminist, godmother of the Chicano power movement and doyenne of American labor. — James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026 Miley Cyrus paid an emotional tribute to her late godmother, Dolly Parton, during a performance at the Hollywood Bowl on Friday. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026 As the pop star’s godmother, Parton has been close with Cyrus her entire life. — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2026 Then, after his daughter Miley was born in 1992, Cyrus asked Parton to be her godmother. — Daniela Avila, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 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 1 Nov. 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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