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
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.
Glenn explains Carmen is the patron saint of sailing, and the rite is about getting her blessing. Emma Soren, Vulture, 17 Dec. 2024 The future patron saint of prisoners, drug addicts and journalists was born in Poland on Jan. 8, 1894, as Raymund Kolbe, the second son of Julius Kolbe and Maria Dąbrowska. Christine Rousselle, Fox News, 8 Dec. 2024 While the actual date of celebration has rotated through the years, in correlation with the day of the reigning Sovereign Prince's patron saint, Prince Albert chose to honor it on Nov. 19 like his late father, Prince Rainier, did as the sovereign of Monaco. Janine Henni, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for patron saint 

Word History

First Known Use

1703, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of patron saint was in 1703

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 11 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

patron saint

noun
: a saint to whom a person, society, church, or place is dedicated

More from Merriam-Webster on patron saint

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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