patron saint
noun
1
: a saint to whose protection and intercession a person, a society, a church, or a place is dedicated
2
: an original leader or prime exemplar
Synonyms
Examples of patron saint in a Sentence
St. David is the patron saint of Wales.
St. Christopher is the patron saint of travelers.
The success of her books has made her the patron saint of a new literary movement.
Recent Examples on the Web
Tarp, knife, candles and statue honoring the patron saint of death.
—
Beth Warren, USA TODAY, 6 July 2024
Throughout Portugal, locals celebrate various saints in June; in Lisbon, the patron saint Santo Antonio is celebrated on June 13, with a parade the evening before on the 12th.
—Abigail Malbon, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 June 2024
Ever analytical, Koenig mused that Vampire Weekend’s albums each reflected patron saints.
—Jon Pareles, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2024
All hail the patron saint of city adults who were raised in places that barely warrant a Zip Code.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for patron saint 
Beth Warren, USA TODAY, 6 July 2024
Throughout Portugal, locals celebrate various saints in June; in Lisbon, the patron saint Santo Antonio is celebrated on June 13, with a parade the evening before on the 12th.
—Abigail Malbon, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 June 2024
Ever analytical, Koenig mused that Vampire Weekend’s albums each reflected patron saints.
—Jon Pareles, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2024
All hail the patron saint of city adults who were raised in places that barely warrant a Zip Code.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for patron saint
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'patron saint.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Patron saint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patron%20saint. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
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