Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A legendary figure associated with Christmas: Santa Claus is a mythical character traditionally believed to bring gifts to well-behaved children on Christmas Eve. He is often depicted as a jolly, plump, white-bearded man wearing a red suit with white fur trim.

Examples of Usage

• Proper noun:
  • The children were excited to leave cookies and milk out for Santa Claus.
  • Many stories describe Santa Claus living at the North Pole with his elves.

Advanced Usage

• "Santa Claus is coming to town": A common phrase from a popular Christmas song, used to remind children that Santa is watching their behavior.

  • Parents often tell their kids, "You better be good; Santa Claus is coming to town."

• "To play Santa Claus": To act as or dress up as Santa Claus; figuratively, to be unexpectedly generous.

  • The company CEO decided to play Santa Claus and gave everyone a holiday bonus.

Variants and Related Words

• Santa (n): A common, informal shortening of "Santa Claus."

  • The kids sat on Santa's lap at the mall.

• Saint Nicholas (n): The historical and folkloric figure upon which the modern Santa Claus is partly based.

• Father Christmas (n): A name for the gift-bringing figure used primarily in the United Kingdom and some Commonwealth countries.

Synonyms

• Kris Kringle: Another name for Santa Claus.
• Saint Nick: An informal name for Santa Claus.

Related Idioms

• "Like waiting for Santa Claus": Used to describe waiting for something that is highly anticipated but whose arrival is uncertain or takes a long time.

  • Getting a reply from the government is like waiting for Santa Claus.

• "The Santa Claus rally": A term used in finance referring to a seasonal increase in stock prices in the final week of December and the first two trading days in January.

  • Investors are hopeful for a Santa Claus rally this year.

Noun

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