# saint

/ˈseɪnt/ (US) · /sˈeɪnt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/saint
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. religious figure

noun · CEFR B1

a person who is officially recognized by a church as being very holy after they die.

For teachers: a deceased person officially recognized by a religious body, such as the Catholic Church, as having lived a life of eminent piety and virtue.

- Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland.
- The process of canonization requires evidence of a life of heroic virtue before a person can be formally declared a saint.

Usage: Often used as a title before a name, usually abbreviated to 'St.' or 'Ste.'

### 2. kind/patient person

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a person who is extremely kind, helpful, or patient with others.

For teachers: a person of exceptional patience, charity, or selflessness; used figuratively in secular contexts.

- My mother was a saint for putting up with all my noise when I was a child.
- You must be a saint to work in such a high-pressure environment without ever losing your temper with the clients.

### 3. sports team member

noun · CEFR B2

a player or fan of a sports team called the Saints.

For teachers: a member, coach, or supporter of a professional sports team whose nickname is the Saints.

- The Saints won their home game last night with a last-minute goal.
- As a lifelong Saint, he never missed a home game, regardless of the team's standing in the league.

### 4. to canonize

verb · CEFR C2 · Formal

to officially name someone as a saint.

For teachers: to formally recognize or revere a person as a saint; to canonize.

- The church decided to saint the monk for his life of service to the poor.
- The council met to discuss whether the historical figure should be sainted, given the recent discovery of his charitable works.

Usage: This verb is transitive and requires a direct object.

## Examples

- She was a saint for helping everyone in the neighborhood.
- The local church was named after a saint who was famous for his work with the poor.
- While the formal canonization process can take decades, the community had already regarded her as a living saint due to her tireless devotion to the sick.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.