Saint

Person recognized by a Christian church as holy.

holy person saintly figure

A saint is a person recognized by a Christian church as having an exceptional degree of holiness, often venerated for their virtuous life or martyrdom.

Pronunciation

/seɪnt/

Etymology

From Old French saint, from Latin sanctus meaning 'holy', 'consecrated'.

Explain Like I’m 5

A saint is someone Christians believe lived a really good life and is now in heaven, like a super-good person who inspires others.

Fun Facts

Saint Nicholas is the inspiration for Santa Claus
Some saints are animals, like Saint Francis of Assisi's wolf companion
The title 'Saint' is used in various Christian denominations

FAQ

What does it mean to be a saint? A person recognized by a Christian church as holy
Who can become a saint? People who have lived lives of exceptional holiness and virtue
Is being a saint the same as being canonized? Yes, canonization is the process by which a church formally declares someone a saint

Synonyms — Similar or Related Terms

holy person blessed one

Hypernyms — Broader Categories

religious figure person

Hyponyms — Specific Examples

martyr confessor

Holonyms — Wholes or Groups

Christianity religion

Indexes

religious spiritual valuable

Built by Tim Jones