Santa Claus

noun

San·​ta Claus ˈsan-tə-ˌklȯz 

also ˈsan-tē-

variants or Santa

ˈsan-tə 

: a plump, white-bearded, red-suited, and jolly old man in modern folklore who delivers presents to children at Christmastime

There might be a few weeks left until Christmas, but Santa Claus and his merry elves landed early in Bakersfield because several boys and girls on the nice list caught their attention.

—Ema Sasic

… we had dashed downstairs to the living room to see what Santa had brought and piled up, in great mounds of splendidly wrapped packages, under the Christmas tree—whose angel's halo brushed the ceiling.

—Anthony Bailey

Examples of Santa Claus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Santa Claus also makes appearances, and story time, craft sessions, and cookie decorating add to the festivities. —Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 29 Nov. 2025

The cast was rounded out by Zooey Deschanel as Jovie, the late Ed Asner as Santa Claus and the late Bob Newhart as Papa Elf. —Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 28 Nov. 2025

Fill this vase from Joanna Gaines’ home brand with seasonal flowers, or channel your inner Santa Claus with a Christmas tree garland adorned with pine cones. —Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Nov. 2025

The Sacramento area is celebrating with lavish light displays, Santa Claus, ice skating and more. —Sacbee.com, 28 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

modification of Dutch Sinterklaas, alteration of Sint Nikolaas Saint Nicholas

First Known Use

1773, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Santa Claus

• chickasaws
• chippewas
• diapause
• menelaus
• menopause
• tropopause
• ahs
• baas
• cause
• clause
• claws
• coz