Nicholas
Americannoun
-
German Nikolaus von Cusa. of Cusa 1401–1464, German cardinal, mathematician, and philosopher.
-
Grand Duke, 1856–1929, Russian general in World War I.
-
Saint, flourished 4th century a.d., bishop in Asia Minor: patron saint of Russia; protector of children and prototype of the legendary Santa Claus.
-
a male given name: from Greek words meaning “victory” and “people.”
noun
Usage
What is St. Nicholas Day? St. Nicholas Day is a Christian holiday—the feast day of Saint Nicholas. Saint Nicholas is best known as the basis of the legendary Santa Claus. As a bishop in Asia Minor around the 4th century c.e., he was known for his generosity and as a protector of children. He is the patron saint of children, sailors, and merchants, and of Russia and Greece. St. Nicholas Day is celebrated by Catholics and members of the Eastern Orthodox Church, among other Christians. Celebration of St. Nicholas Day sometimes involves children laying out their shoes (or sometimes socks) on the night before in the hopes that treats are placed in them overnight (much like the tradition of Christmas stockings).
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Lithgow won best performance by an actor in a leading role in a play for his portrayal of the controversial, beloved British author Roald Dahl in Mark Rosenblatt’s poignant drama “Giant,” directed by Nicholas Hytner.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026
The 45-year-old was walked down the aisle by her brother Nicholas Sanders, in honour of the siblings' late father Rupert Sanders.
From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026
“The fact that many nontech sectors are holding up reasonably well suggests this is a semiconductor correction rather than a broad risk-off event,” David Nicholas, founder of Nicholas Wealth Management, told MarketWatch in emailed comments.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 5, 2026
Nicholas Galitzine stars as He-Man in Travis Knight’s big-screen revival of the 1980s franchise.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026
Now, because Jaja was in the new gifted student program at St. Nicholas, he attended after-school lessons.
From "Purple Hibiscus" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
