Godmother

/ˈɡɒdˌmʌðər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A woman who is looked up to for her guidance and support.

Her godmother was her biggest inspiration in pursuing her career.

A woman who acts as a sponsor for a child at baptism, or who takes on a similar role in the child's life.

My godmother always sends me a card on my birthday.

A female guardian or protector.

She was like a godmother to him, guiding him through tough times.

Derived from Middle English 'godmoder', from Old English 'gōd' (god) + 'moder' (mother).

godmotherly advice

Advice or guidance offered by a godmother, typically nurturing and supportive.

play the godmother role

To take on the responsibilities or duties typically associated with a godmother.

godfather

A male counterpart to a godmother, also serving as a spiritual guardian.

baptism

A Christian sacrament of initiation and purification, often involving a godparent.

A term used in some circles to denote a woman who exerts a strong influence or control, albeit informally.

She's the godmother of that neighborhood's project, running the show behind the scenes.