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
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
And if there’s a patron saint of broadcast’s return to glory, let’s canonize Kathy Bates.
—
Michael Schneider, Variety, 7 May 2025
Pope Francis bucked that tradition when he was elected, instead choosing his name to honor St. Francis of Assisi, the 13th century cleric now celebrated in the church as the patron saint of animals and the environment.
—Christopher Watson, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2025
The contrast between Ireland's two patron saints remains instructive—one celebrated globally with parades and merchandising, the other still establishing her modern significance.
—Gemma Allen, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
What originated as a commemoration of Christianity in Ireland and St. Patrick, the island’s patron saint, has evolved into a broader celebration of Irish culture that often involves parades, dancing, drinking and a whole lot of green.
—Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Mar. 2025
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.
Michael Schneider, Variety, 7 May 2025
Pope Francis bucked that tradition when he was elected, instead choosing his name to honor St. Francis of Assisi, the 13th century cleric now celebrated in the church as the patron saint of animals and the environment.
—Christopher Watson, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2025
The contrast between Ireland's two patron saints remains instructive—one celebrated globally with parades and merchandising, the other still establishing her modern significance.
—Gemma Allen, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
What originated as a commemoration of Christianity in Ireland and St. Patrick, the island’s patron saint, has evolved into a broader celebration of Irish culture that often involves parades, dancing, drinking and a whole lot of green.
—Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for patron saint
Cite this Entry
“Patron saint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patron%20saint. Accessed 14 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share