SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

patron saint

noun

Definition of patron saint

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

See patron saint defined for English-language learners

See patron saint defined for kids

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.

First Known Use of patron saint

1703

patron saint Synonyms

Synonyms

beau ideal, classic, eidolon, exemplar, idea, model, nonesuch, nonpareil, paragon, ideal

Related Words

role model; embodiment, epitome, incarnation, manifestation, personification, phantom, pink; archetype, example, mirror, paradigm, pattern; guideline, principle, rule; gauge (also gage), standard, touchstone; essence, quintessence; acme, apex, apotheosis, culmination, peak, pinnacle, summit, zenith

PATRON SAINT Defined for English Language Learners

patron saint

noun

Definition of patron saint for English Language Learners

: a saint who is believed to protect a particular place or type of person
: a person who is known or admired as a leader or example

PATRON SAINT Defined for Kids

patron saint

noun

Definition of patron saint for Students

:a saint to whom a church or society is dedicated

Learn More about patron saint

See words that rhyme with patron saint Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for patron saint Nglish: Translation of patron saint for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about patron saint

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anathematize

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patron saint

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Examples: patron saint in a Sentence