Nicholas

[ nik-uh-luhs, nik-luhs ]

/ ˈnɪk ə ləs, ˈnɪk ləs /

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noun

of Cu·sa

[kyoo-zuh], /ˈkyu zə/, 1401–1464, German cardinal, mathematician, and philosopher.German Nikolaus von Cusa.

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.”

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Words nearby Nicholas

nicey-nicey, niche, niche market, Nichiren, Nichiren Buddhism, Nicholas, Nicholas I, Nicholas II, Nicholas III, Nicholas IV, Nicholas of Cusa

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

WHAT IS ST. NICHOLAS DAY?

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).

When is St. Nicholas Day?

St. Nicholas Day is celebrated each year on December 6. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, it is celebrated on December 19.

More information and context on St. Nicholas Day

December 6 was chosen as the date for Saint Nicholas’s feast day because it was the date he died. As a bishop, Nicholas became known as a generous protector of children, and many legends are associated with him. Eventually, some of these legends are thought to have blended with others to form the modern legend of Santa Claus.

In one story, Nicholas was said to have anonymously given three poor girls their dowry by dropping bags of coins down their chimney. The coins were saved from the fire by falling into stockings that had been placed over the fire to dry.

What are some terms that often get used in discussing St. Nicholas Day?

How is St. Nicholas Day discussed in real life?

St. Nicholas is among the most well-known Christian saints, particularly for his association with Santa Claus. St. Nicholas Day is especially associated with some traditions that are similar to Christmas traditions, such as children getting little gifts in socks or shoes.

Happy St Nicholas Day!
Old St Nick, now better known as Father Christmas/ Santa Claus, had "a reputation for secret gift-giving, such as putting coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him."
This practice is celebrated today on his feast day & #Christmas Day.
Ho ho ho! pic.twitter.com/yJyyxL8VK6

— Mark Rees (@reviewwales) December 6, 2019

I noticed how all my friends born on a major feast day, like that of St. Demetrios, or St. Katherine, would be named after the saint.

So I really missed the opportunity to have St. Nicholas to be my patron given how my birthday is on St. Nicholas' day.

— Bryan Cheong (@bryancsk) November 5, 2021

The kids have their reading assignment for St Nicholas’ Day at church.

The depths of winter loom closer.

— Stuart Somerville (@Stuthefarmer) November 10, 2021

Try using St. Nicholas Day!

In which month does St. Nicholas Day take place?

A. December
B. January
C. August
D. October

How to use Nicholas in a sentence

Using anonymized data, Nicholas and her team focused on Medicare beneficiaries who were alive at some point in 2014.
Dementia may cause major financial problems long before diagnosis, making early detection critical|Allyson Chiu|November 30, 2020|Washington Post
Nicholas added that financial counseling and resources also need to be available for people after a formal diagnosis, with the data showing money problems appeared to continue even though people were aware their cognitive abilities were declining.
Dementia may cause major financial problems long before diagnosis, making early detection critical|Allyson Chiu|November 30, 2020|Washington Post
Nicholas was fascinated by her Shabbat meals through a group called One Table, which gathers young people together on Friday nights.
Date Lab: Her religion was very important to her. Would this first date be a miracle?|Sarah Wildman|October 29, 2020|Washington Post
The following year, Nicholas launched a national organization, Marsy’s Law for All, which has spent more than $100 million working to pass similar amendments in other states.
How Cops Who Use Force and Even Kill Can Hide Their Names From the Public|by Kenny Jacoby, USA Today and Ryan Gabrielson, ProPublica|October 29, 2020|ProPublica

At a grocery store a week after her death, Conley allegedly accosted Nicholas’ mother, who was on her way home from the funeral.
How Cops Who Use Force and Even Kill Can Hide Their Names From the Public|by Kenny Jacoby, USA Today and Ryan Gabrielson, ProPublica|October 29, 2020|ProPublica
The grandson of legendary fashion editor Diana Vreeland, Nicholas Vreeland was poised for a decadent life in high-society.
From Fashion Player to Photographer Monk|Nina Strochlic|December 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Flamekeepers Hat Club is located at 220 St. Nicholas Avenue at 121st Street in Harlem.
The Harlem Hat Shop You Have to Visit|Justin Jones|October 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I was in a loving, healthy, great relationship for four years [with Nicholas Hoult].
‘The Fappening’ Perpetuators Have a J.Law Come-to-Jesus Moment and ‘Cower With Shame’|Marlow Stern|October 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Nicholas II, the last Romanov, built the graceful Livadia Palace on top of a hill there.
Putin's Crimea Is a Big Anti-Gay Casino|Anna Nemtsova|September 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He hosted him in the one-time office of Tsar Nicholas II that overlooks a tropical garden and the Black Sea.
Putin's Crimea Is a Big Anti-Gay Casino|Anna Nemtsova|September 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The emperor Nicholas of Russia declared, by ukase, his purpose to assist Austria.
The Every Day Book of History and Chronology|Joel Munsell
Nicholas Piccini, an eminent musical composer, died at Naples.
The Every Day Book of History and Chronology|Joel Munsell
He appears to have been a pupil of Nicholas Amati, and shows much of his teacher's careful finish.
Violins and Violin Makers|Joseph Pearce
Certain it is however that while yet a youth he obtained employment in the workshop of Nicholas Amati.
Violins and Violin Makers|Joseph Pearce
In particular the Life of Mr. Nicholas Ferrar was abridged, and published at p. 356.
Notes and Queries, Number 177, March 19, 1853|Various

British Dictionary definitions for Nicholas

Nicholas

/ (ˈnɪkələs) /

noun

Saint. 4th-century ad bishop of Myra, in Asia Minor; patron saint of Russia and of children, sailors, merchants, and pawnbrokers. Feast day: Dec 6See also Santa Claus

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