sainthood

American  

[seynt-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

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

Canonisation is the final step towards sainthood in the Catholic Church, following beatification.

From Barron's • Oct. 19, 2025

Colbert was the first to mock his newfound sainthood status.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 30, 2025

That is an early step on the road to a candidate for sainthood being formally canonised by the Catholic Church.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2025

Carlo Acutis had been beatified - the first step towards sainthood - in 2020.

From BBC • May 23, 2024

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

From "Schooled" by Gordon Korman