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. 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Santa Claus¹

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

Example Sentences

And those who are left supporting him don’t see a dictator — they see Santa Claus coming to town.

From Salon

"Please be advised," he said as the radio crackled back into life, "there is a Santa Claus."

From BBC

She comically lost it over a fictional character — Santa Claus — after Aisha Harris published an article arguing there should be room for a Black St. Nick.

From Salon

Wherever Newman goes these days, he hands them out like a progressive Santa Claus.

From Los Angeles Times

When Craig spots Austin cracking a corny one-liner on the nightly news, he smiles like Santa Claus is real.

From Los Angeles Times