sainthood

American  

[seynt-hood] / ˈseɪnt hʊd /

Also saintdom

noun

1. the character or status of a saint.

2. saints collectively.

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sainthood British  

/ ˈseɪnthʊd /

noun

1. the state or character of being a saint

2. saints collectively

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Etymology

Origin of sainthood

First recorded in 1540–50; saint + -hood

Explanation

Sainthood is the state of being a holy person who goes to heaven after death. In the Catholic church, people can achieve sainthood after death. People like Mother Theresa that is, not just any chump. You can use this noun in the religious sense to describe the status of Catholic saints: "Mother Theresa officially achieved sainthood almost twenty years after her death." You can also use sainthood to talk about less-saintly people: "My sister pretends like she's headed for sainthood, but then she sticks her tongue out at me when my parents aren't looking!"

Example Sentences

There should be no doubt Sainthood will get the 10-furlong distance.

From Washington Post • Apr. 27, 2021

Sainthood normally takes decades — sometimes centuries — but, with papal approval, the church set the process into motion just 18 months after her death.

From Washington Times • Mar. 15, 2016

We’ll eventually put out the New Orleans stuff to go along with the Sainthood anniversary.

From Time • Dec. 15, 2014

Another interesting young company, Milk Presents, are back with A Real Man's Guide to Sainthood, the story of St George.

From The Guardian • Jul. 30, 2012

Sainthood comes slowly, like the blossom on a century plant; there must be a hundred years of thorny stem-life first.

From Ole Mammy's Torment by Johnston, Annie F. (Annie Fellows)