Synonyms

Santa Claus

American

[san-tuh klawz] / ˈsæn tə ˌklɔz /

Or Santa Klaus

noun

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

Santa Claus British

/ ˈsæntə ˌklɔːz /

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of Santa Claus

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

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.

The telephone wire was kept sizzling hot By children disgusted with presents they'd got, And when the bright sun showed its face in the sky The Santa-Claus family were ready to cry!

From Christmas Its Origin, Celebration and Significance as Related in Prose and Verse by Schauffler, Robert Haven

Now, when you ask "Central" for Santa-Claus land She'll say, "discontinued"—and you'll understand.

From Christmas Its Origin, Celebration and Significance as Related in Prose and Verse by Schauffler, Robert Haven

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023