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
In his book, “Men Without Work,” demographer Nicholas Eberstadt reported that the work rate for men 20 and older fell by more than 13 percentage points between 1965 and 2015.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026
Explaining his sentencing decision on Thursday, Judge Nicholas Rowland said he would avoid "criminalising" the "very young" boys.
From BBC • May 26, 2026
Nicholas Corral is a rising senior at the University of Southern California, where he majors in journalism.
From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026
The place where I lived, the St. Nicholas Houses—otherwise known as the projects—was like a big family.
From "The Stars Beneath Our Feet" by David Barclay Moore
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.
