Nicholas
Americannoun
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German Nikolaus von Cusa. of Cusa 1401–1464, German cardinal, mathematician, and philosopher.
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Grand Duke, 1856–1929, Russian general in World War I.
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Saint, flourished 4th century a.d., bishop in Asia Minor: patron saint of Russia; protector of children and prototype of the legendary Santa Claus.
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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.
Nicholas Modaressi says his dad, who grew up in Iran, refuses to get his genetics tested.
From BBC ● Aug. 1, 2026
Nicholas Shapiro, a professor at UCLA, was scrolling the city of Los Angeles’ online data portal one day this spring when he noticed something odd.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 29, 2026
Superior Court Judge Nicholas Primm sentenced Gray to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
From Barron's ● Jul. 28, 2026
The series is executive produced by 50 Cent and the cast includes Howard Charles and Nicholas Pinnock.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 26, 2026
Charles Dickens, Nicholas Nickleby, 1839 No wonder feelings run high about the comma.
From "Eats, Shoots & Leaves" by Author
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.
