godmother

god-moth-er · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A woman who sponsors a child at baptism and promises to help with their religious and moral upbringing.

  2. 2.

    A woman who is influential in founding or developing something.

Forms

plural: godmothers

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    fairy godmother — A magical benefactor in fairy tales; by extension, someone who helps another unexpectedly
  • •
    godmother of [something] — A foundational female figure in a field or movement

Related words

See also: fairy godmother, godfather, godparent, sponsor
Synonyms: patron, sponsor

Etymology

From Old English godmodor, a compound of god ("God") + modor ("mother"). The term has been used since Old English times for the female baptismal sponsor.