santa
word
/ˈsænə/
SAN-uh
/ˈsæntə/
SAN-tuh
Definition
Santa is the cheerful old man in Christmas tradition who is said to bring gifts to children. In English, it usually means Santa Claus.
Usage & Nuances
Very common in informal everyday English, especially with children: 'Santa is coming.' Adults also use it playfully. Usually written with a capital letter: 'Santa'. Do not confuse it with 'santa' in Spanish or Portuguese, where it can mean 'saint' in the feminine form.
Spanish: Santa Claus - Papá NoelPortuguese (BR): Papai NoelPortuguese (PT): Pai NatalChinese (Simplified): 圣诞老人Chinese (Traditional): 聖誕老人Hindi: सांता क्लॉज़Arabic: سانتا كلوزBengali: সান্তা - সান্তা ক্লজRussian: Санта - Санта-КлаусJapanese: サンタ - サンタクロースVietnamese: Ông già NoelKorean: 산타 - 산타클로스Turkish: Noel BabaUrdu: سانتا - سانتا کلازIndonesian: Sinterklas - Santa Claus
Example Sentences
The kids are waiting for Santa.
basic
We saw Santa at the mall today.
basic
She wrote a letter to Santa.
basic
My nephew still believes Santa comes down the chimney.
natural
I had to dress up as Santa for the office party.
natural
Come on, you don’t have to be Santa and buy everyone gifts.
natural