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
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.
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

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Patron saint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patron%20saint. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

patron saint

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

More from Merriam-Webster on patron saint

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!