godmother

/ˈɡɑdˌmʌðər/
noun
  1. A woman who promises at a child's baptism to help raise the child in the Christian faith and to care for the child if the parents cannot.
    • She asked her best friend to be her daughter's godmother.
    • The godmother attended every birthday and school play.
    • My godmother gave me a silver cross for my baptism.
  2. A woman who supports, protects, or mentors someone, often in a generous or influential way.
    • Our neighbor acted like a godmother to us, always bringing meals when we were sick.
    • The famous actress became a fairy godmother to young performers in the community.
    • She was the godmother of the local arts scene, funding many exhibitions.
  3. A woman who is the sponsor at a child's confirmation or other Christian ceremony.
    • I chose my aunt to be my confirmation godmother.
    • The godmother presented the child with a Bible at the ceremony.
    • His godmother stood beside him during the confirmation service.