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
In one fist, the domestic helper holds a small figurine of Our Lady of Good Voyage in Antipolo, the patron saint of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
—
Hung Duong, Artforum, 18 June 2025
Mexican Catholics believe in the Virgin de Guadalupe, who is the patron saint of Mexico and celebrated as our Mother.
—William A. Virchis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2025
The resort's name is derived from Barbara (the patron saint of Santa Barbara) and Anacapa Island.
—Carole Dixon, Travel + Leisure, 18 June 2025
The contrast between Ireland’s two patron saints is striking.
—Gemma Allen, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for patron saint
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Hung Duong, Artforum, 18 June 2025
Mexican Catholics believe in the Virgin de Guadalupe, who is the patron saint of Mexico and celebrated as our Mother.
—William A. Virchis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2025
The resort's name is derived from Barbara (the patron saint of Santa Barbara) and Anacapa Island.
—Carole Dixon, Travel + Leisure, 18 June 2025
The contrast between Ireland’s two patron saints is striking.
—Gemma Allen, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
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 19 Jul. 2025.
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