Santa Claus

American  

[san-tuh klawz] / ˈsæn tə ˌklɔz /

Or Santa Klaus

noun

1. a benevolent figure of legend, associated with Saint Nicholas, supposed to bring gifts to children on Christmas Eve.

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Santa Claus British  

/ ˈsæntə ˌklɔːz /

noun

1. Often shortened to: Santa.  Also called: Father Christmas.  the legendary patron saint of children, commonly identified with Saint Nicholas, who brings presents to children on Christmas Eve or, in some European countries, on Saint Nicholas' Day

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Etymology

Origin of Santa Claus

1765–75, from Dutch Sinterklaas, equivalent to sint saint + heer (Myn)heer ( def. ) + Klaas, short for Niklaas Nicholas ( def. )

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Santa Claus

For longtime residents, the neighborhood itself is about as real as Santa Claus, or the tooth fairy—“East Williamsburg” could’ve just as easily been “South Greenpoint” or “West Bushwick” or “Tatooine” or “Six Flags.”

From Slate ● Sep. 6, 2026

He first appears dressed as Santa Claus, who has come to deliver a hand towel or a pink slip to his employees, depending on whether he deems them naughty or nice.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 27, 2026

Multiple parents recounted a Christmas photo-op in which an ICE agent dressed as Santa Claus shoved away children who tried to hug him, then vanished with his treats the moment the cameras disappeared.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 19, 2026

During a virtual holiday party, Brody compared Done’s prescriptions for controlled medications to Santa Claus handing out candy, a witness testified.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 8, 2026

“Okay, what is Santa Claus rolling down a hill? Wait. That’s not it. I forgot.”

From "The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street" by Karina Yan Glaser