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.
Nicholas Wallace, by his own estimation, isn’t experiencing a financial crisis.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026
Another beneficiary could be European equities, as lower energy prices will help the EU economies and reduce the pressure on policymakers to raise interest rates to combat inflation, says DataTrek co-founder Nicholas Colas.
From Barron's • May 30, 2026
ATB Cormark’s Nicholas Boychuk notes that revenue for products and services were nearly 40% below already low expectations due to “timing-related revenue slippage in both product and service segments.”
From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026
Explaining his sentencing decision, Judge Nicholas Rowland said he would avoid "criminalising" the "very young" boys.
From BBC • May 27, 2026
Nicholas gave Obinze a suit for the wedding.
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.
