Definition

Proper noun 1. A legendary figure associated with Christmas gift-giving: "Saint Nick" is a familiar name for Saint Nicholas, a folkloric figure traditionally said to bring gifts to well-behaved children on Christmas Eve. He is commonly depicted as a jolly, elderly man with a white beard, dressed in red.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The children wrote their letters to Saint Nick, listing all the toys they hoped to receive.
  • Every Christmas Eve, we leave cookies and milk out for Saint Nick.
  • The story says that Saint Nick travels in a sleigh pulled by reindeer.

Advanced Usage

• "Here comes Saint Nick!": A common exclamation upon seeing someone dressed as the character or when referring to his imminent arrival on Christmas.
  • Look at the mall! Here comes Saint Nick!

Variants and Related Words

• Saint Nicholas (proper noun): The original name from which "Saint Nick" is derived, referring to a 4th-century Christian saint known for secret gift-giving.
• Santa Claus (proper noun): Another common name for the same figure, derived from the Dutch "Sinterklaas."
• Father Christmas (proper noun): The name commonly used in the United Kingdom for this figure.
• Kris Kringle (proper noun): Another name for the gift-bringer, used particularly in parts of the United States.

Synonyms

• Santa Claus
• Father Christmas
• Kris Kringle

Related Idioms

• "A visit from Saint Nick": A reference to the Christmas Eve tradition, often from the famous poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" by Clement Clarke Moore.
  • The children were excited, hoping for a visit from Saint Nick.

Noun

1. the legendary patron saint of children; an imaginary being who is thought to bring presents to children at Christmas