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
The fourth century’s Cassian of Imola—patron saint of shorthand writers and court reporters, and apparently a strict teacher—was so irritating that a judge condemned him to be tortured to death by his own students, who stabbed him with their styli and school supplies.
—
Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
In March, the city erupts for Las Fallas, Valencia’s biggest festival, a riotous display of bonfires, fireworks, and parades honoring Saint Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters.
—Siobhan Reid, Travel + Leisure, 29 Dec. 2025
Santa Claus, the mythic figure who brings gifts late at night on Christmas Eve, is thought to be the patron saint of children.
—Literary Hub, 23 Dec. 2025
The patron saint of theatergoers has clocked in once again.
—Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 17 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for patron saint
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.
Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
In March, the city erupts for Las Fallas, Valencia’s biggest festival, a riotous display of bonfires, fireworks, and parades honoring Saint Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters.
—Siobhan Reid, Travel + Leisure, 29 Dec. 2025
Santa Claus, the mythic figure who brings gifts late at night on Christmas Eve, is thought to be the patron saint of children.
—Literary Hub, 23 Dec. 2025
The patron saint of theatergoers has clocked in once again.
—Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 17 Dec. 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 7 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share