Santa Claus

or San·ta Klaus

[ san-tuh klawz ]

noun

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

Santa Claus

/ ˈsæntə ˌklɔːz /

noun

1. 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 Often shortened toSanta Also calledFather Christmas

Word History and Origins

Origin of Santa Claus¹

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

Example Sentences

Without the donations, Molton had planned to tell her young kids that Santa Claus couldn’t come because he was taking extra coronavirus precautions.

From Fortune

What really sets Russia’s Santa Claus apart from his Western counterpart is the turbulent century that he’s faced.

From Time

The only fictional character with more recognition is Santa Claus.

From Eater

It’s an odd sight to see Santa Claus out on the streets jogging for exercise.

From Washington Post

Plus, there’s always the chance of a so-called Santa Claus rally to boost stocks in the final days of the year.

From Fortune

So, feeling “a little loopy” from beers, he sat down and wrote a letter to Santa Claus.

From The Daily Beast

The congressman traces his belief in Santa Claus back 40 years, when he was a student going to college “on the GI Bill.”

From The Daily Beast

“I truly believe there is a Santa Claus” said Rep. Kerry Bentivolio.

From The Daily Beast

According to legend, Nicholas, Bishop of Myra—Santa Claus to you and me—punched out Arius rather than listen to his arguments.

From The Daily Beast

And she is focused on her so-far-unsuccessful quest to get a puppy from her mothers or Santa Claus or anyone who will listen.

From The Daily Beast

Just over the house the chariot and its escort stopped, the rent in the roof widened and Santa Claus came down.

From Project Gutenberg

By his young relatives and their many friends he was looked upon as a sort of every-day Santa Claus.

From Project Gutenberg

He was a short, thickset man with white side whiskers, and looked like an infuriated Santa Claus, for he was covered with snow.

From Project Gutenberg

I'm dummed if there ain't ol' Santa Claus a comin' t' th' Forks in th' summa time.

From Project Gutenberg

How many confidences have been broken over the falsehood of Santa Claus and the chimney.

From Project Gutenberg