patron saint
noun
1
: a saint to whose protection and intercession a person, a society, a church, or a place is dedicated
2
: an original leader or prime exemplar
Synonyms
Examples of patron saint in a Sentence
St. David is the patron saint of Wales.
St. Christopher is the patron saint of travelers.
The success of her books has made her the patron saint of a new literary movement.
Recent Examples on the Web
In the New Testament, Lazarus was resurrected four days after his death by Jesus and became the patron saint of the poor and the sick.
—
Patrick Oppmann, CNN, 19 Dec. 2024
According to the Greek Herald, the boats are usually decorated on Dec. 6, the feast of St. Nicholas, who in addition to his Christmas connections also happens to be the patron saint of sailors.
—Chad De Guzman, TIME, 18 Dec. 2024
For nearly 500 years, believers have looked for solace in Mexico’s patron saint, often simply referred to as La Virgen for her connectedness to the immaculate conception.
—Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 12 Dec. 2024
He was later canonized and is known as, among other things, the patron saint of adult education and journalists.
—Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 20 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for patron saint 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Patrick Oppmann, CNN, 19 Dec. 2024
According to the Greek Herald, the boats are usually decorated on Dec. 6, the feast of St. Nicholas, who in addition to his Christmas connections also happens to be the patron saint of sailors.
—Chad De Guzman, TIME, 18 Dec. 2024
For nearly 500 years, believers have looked for solace in Mexico’s patron saint, often simply referred to as La Virgen for her connectedness to the immaculate conception.
—Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 12 Dec. 2024
He was later canonized and is known as, among other things, the patron saint of adult education and journalists.
—Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 20 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for patron saint
Dictionary Entries Near patron saint
Cite this Entry
“Patron saint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patron%20saint. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share