What does godmother mean?
A godmother is a woman who sponsors a child during Christian baptism or confirmation and undertakes a supportive role in the child's religious upbringing. She is not necessarily related to the child by birth, although the title can express closeness, trust, and family-like affection. In modern secular and figurative use, a godmother may simply be a female benefactor or mentor who offers guidance, gifts, or assistance. The word is especially familiar through fairy tales, where a fairy godmother provides magical help, but it is also used in ordinary conversation to describe real-life sponsors and supporters. The expression “godmother to someone” can indicate that a person or organization has been especially helpful during another person's development. The related term godparent covers the general role, while godfather is the male counterpart.
nounA woman who sponsors a child's baptism and promises to help guide the child's religious upbringing. By extension, the term can refer to a female sponsor or benefactor, especially in fairy tales.
- A woman who sponsors a child's baptism or confirmation and promises to help guide the child's religious upbringing.
- An informal term for a woman who acts as a generous sponsor or benefactor, particularly in fairy tales and figurative expressions.
"Her aunt became her godmother and helped raise her after her parents died."
"Her godmother gave her a silver locket on her eighteenth birthday."
"The company was described as a godmother to young businesses during its early years."
Used when referring to more than one female godparent or sponsor.
"The two godmothers planned the child's christening together."
A godmother is not the child's biological mother: she is a chosen sponsor whose traditional role includes helping guide the child's religious life.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does godmother come from?
Godmother is a transparent English compound of god and mother, combining the religious designation of a child's sponsor with the familiar kinship term for a female parent figure. The compound is recorded in Middle English and reflects the longstanding Christian practice of assigning sponsors to children at baptism. Its close relatives, including godfather, godparent, godson, and goddaughter, use the same combination of god with a term for a family relationship.
Related word forms
How godmother is actually used
The term is neutral in formal and informal contexts. In religious settings it has a specific relationship to the child; in general use it can convey affection, patronage, or a sense of generous support.
Easily confused with godmother
A godfather is the male counterpart of a godmother, although both terms can also refer figuratively to a male or female sponsor.