Xavier

American  

[zey-vee-er, zav-ee-, zey-vyer] / ˈzeɪ vi ər, ˈzæv i-, ˈzeɪ vyər /

noun

1. Saint Francis Francisco Javierthe Apostle of the Indies, 1506–52, Spanish Jesuit missionary, especially in India and Japan.

2. a male given name: from an Arabic word meaning “bright.”

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Xavier British  

/ xaˈβjɛr, ˈzeɪvɪə, ˈzæv- /

noun

1. Saint Francis, known as the Apostle of the Indies. 1506–52, Spanish missionary, who was a founding member of the Jesuit society (1534) and later preached in Goa, Ceylon, the East Indies, and Japan. Feast day: Dec 3

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Other Word Forms

• Xaverian
  adjective

Example Sentences

Xavier Simons, who scored the goal that clinched the second leg for Bolton on Thursday at Valley Parade, is less diplomatic about their prospects.

From BBC • May 14, 2026

Among this year’s participants was WSJ’s achy, blistered Xavier Martinez.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

When rival Xavier Becerra came to O.C. a few weeks ago, on the other hand, he appeared at a private fundraiser attended mostly by professional Latinos.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

The biggest move since Swalwell’s exit from the race, though, has been a leap in the polls from former congressman, California attorney general, and Biden Cabinet member Xavier Becerra.

From Slate • May 9, 2026

In addition to being Petra’s and Calder’s birthday, it had also been the last conscious day of Xavier Glitts’s life.

From "Chasing Vermeer" by Blue Balliett