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.
As part of the festivities, people build bonfires outside their homes in a tradition which has special significance in Guatemala City due to its association with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception honoring the city’s patron saint. Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025 Anchoring it is the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore, an excellent example of Romanesque architecture named for the city’s patron saint. Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 3 Dec. 2025 The series begins with Carol and her wife, Helen (Miriam Shor), who doubles as her manager and patron saint and protector, on a tour for the latest book. Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 3 Dec. 2025 Ryan believes that canonizing Kirk as the patron saint of MAGA may have backfired in a subtle but important way. Ryan Broderick, Rolling Stone, 24 Nov. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Patron saint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patron%20saint. Accessed 12 Dec. 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

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