ENGLISH
REFERENCE

saints

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈseɪnts// UK //sˈeɪnts// saints

n. people who are officially recognized by a church for being extremely holy or good. You can also use this word to describe someone who is very patient and kind.

n. individuals formally canonized by a religious institution for their exceptional holiness or virtue. In a secular sense, it refers to people of extraordinary patience or altruism.


SIMPLE

She has the patience of a saint.

CONTEXTUAL

The local church is named after one of the patron saints of the region who was known for helping the poor.

COMPLEX

While the historical record of these saints is often blended with legend, their lives continue to serve as moral exemplars for the community and inspire annual festivals.

Synonyms
Usage

Often used in the plural to refer to a collective group or in the singular as a title before a name.

© 2026 English Reference