Santa Claus

American  

[san-tuh klawz] / ˈsæn tə ˌklɔz /

Or Santa Klaus

noun

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

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Santa Claus British  

/ 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

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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

Like older amusement parks, these new destinations had rides and attractions, but were designed around a central theme, like Knott’s Berry Farm or Santa Claus Land.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026

Hirsch’s father, Yale Hirsch, founder of the Stock Trader’s Almanac, first popularized the Santa Claus rally indicator back in the early 1970s.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 3, 2026

Even as a kid, I couldn’t relate to people’s excitement over Christmas spirit or Santa Claus.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 2, 2026

As the options swirled in my head, it occurred to me that this was how kids feel waiting to meet Santa Claus.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 2, 2026

“I don’t think Santa Claus made it over here yet,” mourned Rafik.

From "Habibi" by Naomi Shihab Nye