Nicholas
Americannoun
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German Nikolaus von Cusa. of Cusa 1401–1464, German cardinal, mathematician, and philosopher.
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Grand Duke, 1856–1929, Russian general in World War I.
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Saint, flourished 4th century a.d., bishop in Asia Minor: patron saint of Russia; protector of children and prototype of the legendary Santa Claus.
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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.
Taking a more short-term view, Nicholas Colas, founder of DataTrek, said large-cap industrials were sitting at an attractive level.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 15, 2026
Politics and legal affairs editor Naomi Schalit spoke with political scientist Nicholas Jacobs, who has followed the campaign and talked with Platner directly in 2025.
From Salon ● Jul. 10, 2026
British Museum director Nicholas Cullinan and French ambassador to the UK Helene Duchene posed for photos, as those travelling in the convoy shook hands with museum staff wearing hi-vis vests.
From Barron's ● Jul. 10, 2026
The 1825 Decembrist revolt against Czar Nicholas I was inspired in part by the American Revolution.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 3, 2026
An idea embraced by Bishop Étienne Tempier in the thirteenth century and Cardinal Nicholas of Cusa in the fifteenth century could mean a death sentence in the sixteenth century.
From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife
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.
