sainthood

American  

[saynt-hood] / ˈseɪnt hʊd /

Also saintdom

noun

1. the character or status of a saint.

2. saints collectively.

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sainthood British  

/ ˈseɪnthʊd /

noun

1. the state or character of being a saint

2. saints collectively

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Etymology

Origin of sainthood

First recorded in 1540–50; saint + -hood

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Explanation

Sainthood is the state of being a holy person who goes to heaven after death. In the Catholic church, people can achieve sainthood after death. People like Mother Theresa that is, not just any chump. You can use this noun in the religious sense to describe the status of Catholic saints: "Mother Theresa officially achieved sainthood almost twenty years after her death." You can also use sainthood to talk about less-saintly people: "My sister pretends like she's headed for sainthood, but then she sticks her tongue out at me when my parents aren't looking!"

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

sainthood

A "heroic" Irish priest who was killed in World War One while trying to help injured and dying soldiers will take a step towards potential sainthood on Sunday.

From BBC ● Oct. 18, 2026

"I think she has ascended to sainthood now."

From Barron's ● Aug. 26, 2026

Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, last year put Gaudí on the path to sainthood, a multistage process that depends on the Catholic Church confirming claims of miracles.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 7, 2026

Colbert was the first to mock his newfound sainthood status.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 30, 2025

But no, the assistant principal had to set Cap up for sainthood!

From "Schooled" by Gordon Korman

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