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Glite Dictionary
Nicholas

Nicholas

259 3.4
A fourth-century bishop from Myra who is a saint and inspired Santa Claus
  • proper noun
translation icon : Nicolás
  • One of the men stuck out his chest and said, "Tsar Nicholas would disagree, I think."
  • Saint Nicholas

Examples

  • Sir, how long have you been in contact with Nicholas Sloan?

    The Company You Keep (2012)

  • I couldn't wait to tell Nicholas that his theories about my boys in class were right.

    Fiction book (2000)

  • Nicholas, I was beginning to wonder about you.

    Boat Trip (2002)

  • Saint Nicholas of Myra was actually a fourth-century Greek Bishop from what is now Turkey.

    The Holdovers (2023)

  • A man identified as Nicholas Callahan, a relief worker in Ethiopia, interrupted the event with an emotional plea for more help in Africa.

    Beyond Borders (2003)

  • Saint Nicholas is celebrated on December 6th, when many people honor him with special prayers and feasts.

  • According to tradition, children leave out shoes on the eve of Saint Nicholas Day, hoping to find treats inside in the morning.

  • In many cultures, Saint Nicholas is considered the inspiration for the modern figure of Santa Claus.

Synonyms

St. Nicholas
vsNicholas
1 5.7

A 4th-century church leader who gave gifts to children and inspired Santa Claus

is the venerated local bishop tied to Myra and church traditions
Saint Nicholas
vsNicholas
4.2

A Christian saint from the 300s who inspired Santa Claus and gave gifts to children at Christmas

is the same venerated bishop but stresses church veneration and local traditions

Surface Forms

Nicholas main

Etymology

Nicholas comes from the Greek name Nikolaos, made of nikē 'victory' and laos 'people', so it means 'victory of the people'. The name became famous because of a bishop in the 4th century, Saint Nicholas, and later inspired the modern figure of Santa Claus, which is why Nicholas is linked with kindness and gift-giving today.