View synonyms for

Santa Claus

or San·ta Klaus

[ san-tuh klawz ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a benevolent figure of legend, associated with Saint Nicholas, supposed to bring gifts to children on Christmas Eve.

Santa Claus

/ ˈsæntə ˌklɔːz /

noun

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

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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 )

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