Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A major city in the U.S. state of Missouri: St. Louis is a large, historically significant city located on the western bank of the Mississippi River, near its confluence with the Missouri River. It served as a crucial gateway for westward expansion in the 19th century.
   • A historical figure, King of France: Saint Louis, also known as Louis IX, was the king of France from 1226 until his death in 1270. He is noted for his piety, his leadership of the Seventh and Eighth Crusades, and is the only French king to be canonized as a saint.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun (City):
  • The Gateway Arch is the iconic symbol of St. Louis.
  • Many pioneers began their journey westward from St. Louis.
• Proper noun (Historical Figure):
  • St. Louis is often considered the model of the medieval Christian monarch.
  • The reign of St. Louis was marked by domestic peace and judicial reforms.

Advanced Usage

• "The spirit of St. Louis": This phrase often refers to the pioneering and adventurous character associated with the city, famously used as the name of Charles Lindbergh's airplane for the first solo transatlantic flight.
  • The expedition captured the spirit of St. Louis, venturing into the unknown.
• In historical or religious contexts, "St. Louis" specifically refers to the king and saint, often discussed in terms of his legacy of justice and faith.
  • The biography detailed the charitable works of St. Louis.

Variants and Related Words

• St. Louisan (noun): A native or resident of the city of St. Louis, Missouri.
  • As a lifelong St. Louisan, she loved the city's traditions.
• Louisian (adj): Pertaining to the city of St. Louis. (Note: This is less common and distinct from "Louisianan," which pertains to the state of Louisiana).
  • The Louisian architecture along the riverfront is notable.

Synonyms

• For the City: The Gateway City, Mound City (historical nickname).
• For the King: Louis IX, Saint Louis.

Notes on Different Meanings

• The primary modern reference is to the city in Missouri. This usage is far more common in everyday English.
• The reference to King Louis IX of France is primarily used in historical, religious, or academic contexts. The shared name is coincidental; the two referents are distinct entities.

Noun

1. king of France and son of Louis VIII; he led two unsuccessful Crusades; considered an ideal medieval king (1214-1270)
2. the largest city in Missouri; a busy river port on the Mississippi River near its confluence with the Missouri River; was an important staging area for wagon trains westward in the 19th century