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 of patron saint

• model
• idea
• example
• incarnation
• ideal

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

To many, Anthony Bourdain is the patron saint of the culinary underground. — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026

The Michelin Key retreat named for the patron saint of music simmers with classic ’60s and ’70s energy, exuding the era’s powerful rock revolution with a lending library of vinyls, Rega turntables, and rock biographies. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 2026

Such is the legacy of John Carpenter, the patron saint of slasher flicks, who has embraced the title of horror master in recent years. — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2026

The eclipse also coincides with the village’s annual patron saint festivities, when around 500 former residents return home. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1703, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for patron saint

• acquaint
• complaint
• constraint
• distraint
• repaint
• restraint
• faint
• feint
• maint
• paint
• plaint
• quaint

Kids Definition

patron saint

noun

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