Santa Claus

Or San·ta Klaus

[san-tuh klawz]

noun

1. a benevolent figure of legend, associated with Saint Nicholas, supposed to bring gifts to children on Christmas Eve.

Santa Claus

/ ˈsæntə ˌklɔːz /

noun

1. Often shortened to: Santa. Also called: Father Christmas. the legendary patron saint of children, commonly identified with Saint Nicholas, who brings presents to children on Christmas Eve or, in some European countries, on Saint Nicholas' Day

Word History and Origins

Origin of Santa Claus¹

1765–75, from Dutch Sinterklaas, equivalent to sint saint + heer (Myn)heer ( def. ) + Klaas, short for Niklaas Nicholas ( def. )

Example Sentences

Tutors taught them Cambodian dance, and on Christmas, a holiday not traditionally celebrated in Cambodia, a man dressed up as Santa Claus distributed presents.

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And those who are left supporting him don’t see a dictator — they see Santa Claus coming to town.

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"Please be advised," he said as the radio crackled back into life, "there is a Santa Claus."

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She comically lost it over a fictional character — Santa Claus — after Aisha Harris published an article arguing there should be room for a Black St. Nick.

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Wherever Newman goes these days, he hands them out like a progressive Santa Claus.

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