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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
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
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Word History
First Known Use
1703, in the meaning defined at sense 1
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
Nglish: Translation of patron saint for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about patron saint
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