1773 (as St. A Claus, in "New York Gazette"), American English, from dialectal Dutch Sante Klaas, from Middle Dutch Sinter Niklaas "Saint Nicholas," bishop of Asia Minor who became a patron saint for children. Now a worldwide phenomenon (Japanese santakurosu). Father Christmas is attested from 1650s.
Others are reading
Share Santa
Advertisement
Advertisement
Definitions of Santa from WordNet
Santa (n.)
the legendary patron saint of children; an imaginary being who is thought to bring presents to children at Christmas;
Synonyms: Santa Claus / Kriss Kringle / Father Christmas / Saint Nicholas / Saint Nick / St. Nick
