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Nicholas

American  
[nik-uh-luhs, nik-luhs] / ˈnɪk ə ləs, ˈnɪk ləs /

noun

  1. German Nikolaus von Cusa.  of Cusa 1401–1464, German cardinal, mathematician, and philosopher.

  2. Grand Duke, 1856–1929, Russian general in World War I.

  3. Saint, flourished 4th century a.d., bishop in Asia Minor: patron saint of Russia; protector of children and prototype of the legendary Santa Claus.

  4. a male given name: from Greek words meaning “victory” and “people.”


Nicholas British  
/ ˈnɪkələs /

noun

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

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.

See Examples For:

“Superman” and “Renfield” actor Nicholas Hoult was initially cast in the role but departed the series over scheduling issues, according to Deadline.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 25, 2026

“Post-Labor Day and back to school is a traditionally busy time in U.S. investment-grade corporate bond primary markets,” said Nicholas Elfner, co-head of research at Breckinridge Capital Advisors.

From MarketWatch Aug. 19, 2026

Nicholas Bednar and Max Sarinsky, came up with a few solutions that Congress could legislate without violating Slaughter, and I do think it’s worth lifting those up.

From Slate Aug. 14, 2026

Nicholas Bacon KC for the claimants told the court the group took out insurance cover in the sum of £16.2m, and that ANL had "overspent what they'd told us they'd actually spent".

From BBC Jul. 29, 2026

I think you may find a good read here, Nicholas.

From "Booked" by Kwame Alexander

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