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

The region's President Xavier Bertrand confirmed the death of the TGV driver and described the accident as a "terrible tragedy".

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra noted his family’s personal ties to the valley.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Mr. Bonta has held the post since 2021, when he was appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to succeed Xavier Becerra, who joined President Biden’s cabinet.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Rochester left behind a son, Xavier, now aged eight.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

Xavier Trucho, a lean, hangdog, yet almost delicate-looking, cynical man, was slumped disconsolately in an armchair, smoking a cigarette.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols