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

Recently, she found a screenshot online where a user told Claude she was 5 years old and asked whether Santa Claus existed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026

Hirsch’s father, Yale Hirsch, founder of the Stock Trader’s Almanac, popularized the Santa Claus rally indicator back in the early 1970s.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 4, 2026

“Not cheap little gifts. These were Santa Claus worthy,” Fulton said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 2, 2026

At a time of year when many investors hope for a so-called Santa Claus rally, AppLovin shareholders have suffered the opposite.

From Barron's • Jan. 2, 2026

“Yes, sir,” said the weatherman, grinning, “I do believe Santa Claus is on his way!”

From "The Lions of Little Rock" by Kristin Levine