patron saint

noun

Synonyms of patron saintnext
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
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.
Outside, another Pom, named Armand, trots across a massive video marquee, watching over Flamingo Road like a furry patron saint of indulgence. Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2026 Edgar-Jones, who has long been known for her enviable hair—her piecey bangs and teddy bear bronde color have shown up on mood boards everywhere—previously told Vogue that her ultimate inspiration is none other than the patron saint of French Girl Beauty, Jane Birkin. Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 23 June 2026 Here the enduring wisdom of Indian spiritual philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti, Ojai’s informal patron saint, serves even to hold a recent incursion of ultra-rich to account. Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2026 Later Saturday, Leo is due to visit nearby Sant’Angelo Lodigiano, the birthplace of Mother Cabrini, the patron saint of migrants. ABC News, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for patron saint

Word History

First Known Use

1703, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of patron saint was in 1703

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Cite this Entry

“Patron saint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patron%20saint. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

patron saint

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

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