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
Meanwhile, the tribute to Nancy Guthrie outside her home keeps growing, with flowers, yellow ribbons, crosses, prayers and patron saints for older adults and in desperate situations.
—
Jacques Billeaud, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026
In 1979, Francis was recognized by Pope John Paul II as the patron saint of ecology, and he is also revered as the patron saint of animals.
—Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 23 Feb. 2026
Cabrini is the patron saint of immigrants and hospital workers.
—Adam Harrington, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026
Such stories became central to shaping Francis’ identity as the patron saint of animals and, later, of the natural world.
—Vanessa Corcoran, The Conversation, 2 Feb. 2026
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.
Jacques Billeaud, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026
In 1979, Francis was recognized by Pope John Paul II as the patron saint of ecology, and he is also revered as the patron saint of animals.
—Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 23 Feb. 2026
Cabrini is the patron saint of immigrants and hospital workers.
—Adam Harrington, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026
Such stories became central to shaping Francis’ identity as the patron saint of animals and, later, of the natural world.
—Vanessa Corcoran, The Conversation, 2 Feb. 2026
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 27 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
