What does saints mean?
“Saints” is the plural of “saint,” a word for a person recognized as holy or exceptionally virtuous within a Christian tradition. In its dominant religious sense, saints may include figures whose sainthood has been formally declared by a church, as well as others traditionally honored for exceptional faith or moral conduct. Their lives are commemorated through prayers, stories, feasts, and places of pilgrimage. In everyday speech, “saints” can also describe people whom a speaker considers unusually patient, generous, courageous, or selfless. This figurative use often expresses strong admiration, though it can occasionally suggest that the praise is exaggerated. The word is used in both British and American English and is especially prominent in Catholic and Orthodox traditions, while other Christian communities also use the term in their own ways. It appears in familiar expressions such as “patron saints,” “canonized saints,” and descriptions of devoted people as “saints.”
nounSaints are holy people, especially those whose sainthood has been formally recognized by a Christian church. The word can also refer figuratively to people regarded as exceptionally virtuous, kind, or selfless.
- People recognized as holy or exceptionally virtuous, especially those formally venerated as saints by a Christian church.
- People regarded figuratively as exceptionally kind, moral, or selfless.
"The cathedral is dedicated to several saints whose stories are celebrated throughout the year."
"Many saints are commemorated in the calendar of the Catholic Church."
"The hospital staff were regarded as saints for their tireless work during the emergency."
“Saints” is the standard plural of “saint.”
"Several saints are especially associated with places of healing."
A saint is not simply a good person: in several Christian traditions, sainthood is formally recognized through canonization.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of saints
“Saints” is the plural of “saint,” which came into English through Old French from Latin sanctus, meaning “holy,” “consecrated,” or “virtuous.” The Latin root also developed into English words including “saintly,” “sanctity,” “sanctuary,” and “sanctify,” and related forms appear in cognates such as Spanish santo and Italian santo.
Related word forms
How saints is actually used
The word is normally plural, with “saint” as its singular. It is often used respectfully in religious contexts and can sound affectionate, admiring, or occasionally exaggerated when used figuratively.