Xavier

American  

[zey-vee-er, zav-ee-, zey-vyer] / ˈzeɪ vi ər, ˈzæv i-, ˈzeɪ vyər /

noun

1. Saint Francis Francisco Javierthe Apostle of the Indies, 1506–52, Spanish Jesuit missionary, especially in India and Japan.

2. a male given name: from an Arabic word meaning “bright.”

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Xavier British  

/ xaˈβjɛr, ˈzeɪvɪə, ˈzæv- /

noun

1. Saint Francis, known as the Apostle of the Indies. 1506–52, Spanish missionary, who was a founding member of the Jesuit society (1534) and later preached in Goa, Ceylon, the East Indies, and Japan. Feast day: Dec 3

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Other Word Forms

• Xaverian adjective

Example Sentences

The region's President Xavier Bertrand confirmed the death of the TGV driver and described the accident as a "terrible tragedy".

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Several of the candidates mired near the bottom of polls — Antonio Villaraigosa, Xavier Becerra, Betty Yee — are probably looking at the end of the line if they lose this race.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Mr. Bonta has held the post since 2021, when he was appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to succeed Xavier Becerra, who joined President Biden’s cabinet.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Even Xavier, who’s obviously the most badass guy in the world, is not totally equipped.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

Even if Xavier goes out with friends after, he’s going to have to be home soon.

From "Every Day" by David Levithan