Santa Claus

noun

San·​ta Claus ˈsan-tə-ˌklȯz 

also ˈsan-tē-

variants or Santa

ˈsan-tə 

: a plump, white-bearded, red-suited, and jolly old man in modern folklore who delivers presents to children at Christmastime

There might be a few weeks left until Christmas, but Santa Claus and his merry elves landed early in Bakersfield because several boys and girls on the nice list caught their attention.

—Ema Sasic

… we had dashed downstairs to the living room to see what Santa had brought and piled up, in great mounds of splendidly wrapped packages, under the Christmas tree—whose angel's halo brushed the ceiling.

—Anthony Bailey

Examples of Santa Claus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And if the opportunity presents itself to suit back up as Santa Claus again? —Sabienna Bowman, PEOPLE, 7 Dec. 2025

Don’t forget to take a peek at the seasonal chef’s favorites, too—Christmas aprons and Santa Claus cookie jars are perfect for that pre-Christmas Secret Santa or White Elephant gift exchange. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Dec. 2025

Warm childhood memories abound of writing letters to Santa Claus, watching the lights glittering on the streets and in people's homes, singing carols and painting pictures at school, all culminating in the biggest day of excitement on the 25th of December. —Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025

And when Ralphie makes his plea to Santa Claus, what does ol’ Saint Nick come back with? —Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

modification of Dutch Sinterklaas, alteration of Sint Nikolaas Saint Nicholas

First Known Use

1773, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Santa Claus

• chickasaws
• chippewas
• diapause
• menelaus
• menopause
• tropopause
• ahs
• baas
• cause
• clause
• claws
• coz