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

The parade winds up with an appearance by the jolly old elf, Santa Claus, and his reindeer.

From Los Angeles Times

Kelly, who herself famously tangled with Trump as a debate moderator for Fox News, also once insisted that Santa Claus cannot possibly be Black because he “just is white.”

From Los Angeles Times

The official attendance was 22,757 — less than half of Angel Stadium’s capacity — but that total seemed as generous as Santa Claus.

From Los Angeles Times

Watch as Santa Claus, who was booed by irate Celtic fans when doing the half-time draw at they trailed at home against Hearts in December, brings out the Scottish Premiership trophy.

From BBC

One day she saw Boyle in a TV news clip and he looked like Santa Claus to her.

From Los Angeles Times