Nicholas
Americannoun
-
German Nikolaus von Cusa. of Cusa 1401–1464, German cardinal, mathematician, and philosopher.
-
Grand Duke, 1856–1929, Russian general in World War I.
-
Saint, flourished 4th century a.d., bishop in Asia Minor: patron saint of Russia; protector of children and prototype of the legendary Santa Claus.
-
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 Brandram was under suspicion of being the jogger who pushed a woman into the path of a bus during a run on Putney Bridge, west London, in May 2017.
From BBC ● Sep. 18, 2026
Nicholas Colas, co-founder of DataTrek Research, says “the market is doing the work of the Fed by slowing the economy and reducing inflation pressures.”
From Barron's ● Sep. 15, 2026
A curt “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” reunion featuring David Boreanaz and Sarah Michelle Gellar failed to mention recently lost castmates Anthony Head, Nicholas Brendon and Michelle Trachtenberg by name.
From Salon ● Sep. 15, 2026
Losos in his book cites a number of papers on cat vocalizations, and one of his favorites is the work of Nicholas Nicastro and the series of studies that followed up on Nicastro’s research.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 9, 2026
On weekends Nicholas walked around the house in a tense cloud of silence, nursing his worries.
From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
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.
