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

Practically every time the subject of the economy arises in Harris’ interviews and public statements, she leads with a laundry list of subsidies and plays Santa Claus: I’ll give you $25k in downpayment assistance for first-time homebuyers, $50k for a small business tax credit and a $6k credit for newborns.

From Salon

And what Christmas store would be complete without visits with Santa Claus?

From Slate

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

Walz has worked on two tracks: As a populist Santa Claus delivering universal benefits for the people but also as a cheerleader for industry who understands its needs.

From Slate