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.
Powered by copious sarcasm, ‘Bumblebee’ director Travis Knight and star Nicholas Galitzine modernize the ’80s macho man as sensitive and self-aware.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026
“The fact that many nontech sectors are holding up reasonably well suggests this is a semiconductor correction rather than a broad risk-off event,” David Nicholas, founder of Nicholas Wealth Management, told MarketWatch in emailed comments.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 5, 2026
“Every year, one or two or three statues were erected. But they didn’t honor Lenin or Stalin. The statues were of Alexander I, of Peter the Great, of Catherine, of Nicholas I.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026
Prosecuting barrister Nicholas Lobbenberg KC said Digwa had a "weapons obsession", adding that his depiction to police of Nowak as a "racist, drunk, violent aggressor compounds the natural grief and loss of the deceased's family".
From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026
“Nice to meet you, Detective Sergeant Nicholas Henderson,” she said as she examined it.
From "City Spies" by James Ponti
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.
