baptist
|bap-tist|
/ˈbæptɪst/
one who baptizes
Etymology
'baptist' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'baptistēs', where 'bapti-' meant 'to dip or immerse'.
'baptist' changed from Late Latin 'baptista' and Old French 'baptiste' and entered Middle English (as forms such as 'bap(t)ist'), eventually becoming the modern English 'baptist'.
Initially it meant 'one who baptizes', but over time it also came to denote members of a particular Christian denomination and an adjective relating to that denomination.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who administers the Christian sacrament of baptism; a baptizer (often used historically or descriptively).
The baptist stood at the river and prepared to perform the rite.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a member of the Baptist denomination, a Protestant Christian group that emphasizes believer's baptism (by immersion) and congregational governance.
She is a baptist and attends the local baptist church.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/13 08:56