What does saint mean?
A saint is a person recognized or venerated for exceptional holiness, religious devotion, or moral virtue, especially in Christianity. The word may refer to someone formally canonized, to a locally or popularly revered holy figure, or more broadly to someone regarded as an outstanding example of goodness. In names such as “Saint Peter” and in expressions such as “patron saint,” it also identifies a holy figure associated with a particular place, profession, or cause. Modern speakers often use it figuratively, describing someone as exceptionally patient, charitable, or virtuous. The related adjective saintly suggests holiness or moral excellence, while saintliness names the quality itself. Although the word has strong religious associations, its figurative uses are common in everyday English and can be affectionate, emphatic, or mildly humorous depending on context.
A person recognized or revered for exceptional holiness, virtue, or religious devotion, especially one formally honored as a saint.
"The cathedral contains statues of several saints from the early Christian period."
The word can also be used figuratively for someone regarded as exceptionally virtuous or unselfishly good.
To regard, honor, or declare someone as a saint.
"The early followers sainted the teacher after her death."
This verb is relatively uncommon and has a literary, historical, or archaic tone.
The standard plural is “saints,” used for multiple holy figures, canonized religious figures, or people praised as exemplary.
"The stories of saints are retold each year in the calendar's observances."
From “saint” to smartphone: the word once described exceptional holiness, but it survives in the everyday name for one of the world's most ubiquitous communication devices.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does saint come from?
The English word comes through Old French saint, a form of Latin sanctus meaning “holy” or “sacred.” Latin sanctus developed from sacer, associated with the idea of being ritually consecrated or set apart for religious purposes, and in its adjectival use it could describe someone or something especially holy. English borrowed the word in the Middle English period, and its religious sense remains central, although the word has long been extended to describe exemplary virtue.
Related word forms
How saint is actually used
In ordinary modern English, saint is often used in religious contexts, commemorations, names, and idiomatic expressions. It can also be used figuratively or humorously to praise someone as exceptionally kind, moral, or self-sacrificing. The verb is uncommon and sounds literary or archaic in most contemporary usage.