Santa Claus
or San·ta Klaus
[ san-tuh klawz ]
/ ˈsæn tə ˌklɔz /
noun
a benevolent figure of legend, associated with Saint Nicholas, supposed to bring gifts to children on Christmas Eve.
Origin of Santa Claus
1765–75,
Americanism; < Dutch
Sinterklaas, equivalent to
sint
saint +
heer
(myn)heer +
Klaas, short for
Niklaas
nicholas
British Dictionary definitions for santa claus
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 to: Santa Also called: Father Christmas