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
Before then, as the exhibition shows, artists often portrayed themselves as St. Luke, the patron saint of painters, wearing a collarless tunic.
—
Dana Thomas, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2025
Now this beloved patron saint of Ireland and legendary figure is remembered with a variety of early spring celebrations throughout Connecticut.
—Maureen Murphy, Hartford Courant, 14 Mar. 2025
Netherlands The Netherlands celebrates Sinterklaas on Dec. 6, in honor of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children who is believed to have inspired Santa Claus.
—Chad De Guzman, TIME, 18 Dec. 2024
Monday, March 17 is the holiday to celebrate everything Irish, including Saint Patrick, who was once the patron saint of Ireland.
—Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 16 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for patron saint
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Dana Thomas, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2025
Now this beloved patron saint of Ireland and legendary figure is remembered with a variety of early spring celebrations throughout Connecticut.
—Maureen Murphy, Hartford Courant, 14 Mar. 2025
Netherlands The Netherlands celebrates Sinterklaas on Dec. 6, in honor of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children who is believed to have inspired Santa Claus.
—Chad De Guzman, TIME, 18 Dec. 2024
Monday, March 17 is the holiday to celebrate everything Irish, including Saint Patrick, who was once the patron saint of Ireland.
—Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 16 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 9 Apr. 2025.
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