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

There are five steps in the process to achieving sainthood in the Catholic Church, some of which can take many years, and this campaign is at a very early stage.

From BBC ● Oct. 18, 2026

The campaign for sainthood is being led by the Fr Willie Doyle Association, a Dublin-based group comprised mostly of lay people but supported by the clergy.

From BBC ● Oct. 18, 2026

“Intimate Audrey” occasionally strays close to elevating its subject to sainthood, mostly in material regarding her unselfish work for Unicef in Somalia and Ethiopia, which Mr. Ferrer believes broke both her heart and her health.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 8, 2026

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

From Barron's ● Oct. 19, 2025

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

From "Schooled" by Gordon Korman

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