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.
However, the campaign kicked off just a day or so prior to the death of Dolly Parton, the cultural icon and country music superstar who also happened to be Cyrus’ godmother. — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 31 Aug. 2026 The legendary singer was Cyrus' godmother and a longtime family friend of their parents, Tish and Billy Ray Cyrus. — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 Miley’s real-life godmother, Dolly Parton, played her character’s aunt on Hannah Montana. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 28 Aug. 2026 Miley Cyrus has paid tribute to her godmother, the late country music legend Dolly Parton, in an emotional message posted to Instagram. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 26 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 2 Sep. 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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