goddaughter

IPA/ˈɡɒdˌdɔː.tər/
IPA/ˈɡɑːdˌdɑː.t̬ɚ/

goddaughter — noun

  • goddaughtersingular
  • goddaughtersplural

1. a girl whose parents have chosen an adult (called a godparent) to take a special

1.nounB1
Definition

a girl whose parents have chosen an adult (called a godparent) to take a special role in her life — the godparent promises at her baptism or naming ceremony to help guide her faith and care for her if the parents cannot raise her.

Example

Priya was delighted to become a godmother and bought a bracelet for her goddaughter Anya.

a [possessive] goddaughter — naming the child

Ravi's goddaughter Mei visits her godparents every summer and stays for two weeks.

possessive + goddaughter + name

Common collocations
  • be someone's goddaughter
  • have a goddaughter
  • become a goddaughter
  • my / his / her / their goddaughter
  • goddaughter + [name]
Antonyms
  • godson

    the male equivalent — a boy whose parents have chosen a godparent

Grammar Patterns

a [possessive] goddaughter

[possessive] + goddaughter + [name]

Usage Note

The relationship is formalised through a religious ceremony (baptism / christening) in Christian traditions. In non-religious contexts, a 'guideparent' or 'mentor' may replace the term.

Common Mistakes

She is my godchild daughter.
She is my goddaughter.
'goddaughter' is one word; do not split it into 'godchild daughter'.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

'Goddaughter' refers specifically to a female child in a godparent relationship, making it narrower than 'godchild' (which includes both boys and girls). 'Godson' is the exact male counterpart. 'Ward' is a legal term for a child under a guardian's court-appointed care, not a religious or ceremonial bond — a ward relationship is created by law, not by a baptism ceremony. For example, 'She is my goddaughter, so I attend her birthday parties and guide her in faith,' versus 'He is my ward, so I have legal responsibility for his housing and education.' Use 'goddaughter' when the relationship is ceremonial and affectionate, not legal.

godchildgodson ↗ward ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • act as a goddaughter to someone

Prepositions

  • of + [person] (e.g. goddaughter of the Smith family)

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglish

From Old English 'god' (referring to the Christian God) + 'dohtor' (daughter). The term dates back to the early Christian tradition where a 'godparent' ('godfather' or 'godmother') sponsors a child at baptism and takes responsibility for her spiritual upbringing. The word has been used in English since at least the 1300s.