kerstman

See also: Kerstman

Dutch

Etymology

From kerst (“Christmas”) +‎ man (“man”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈkɛrst.mɑn/

• Audio:

  (file)

• Hyphenation: kerst‧man

Noun

kerstman m (plural kerstmannen, diminutive kerstmannetje n)

1. Father Christmas, Santa Claus

Usage notes

The figure of Santa Claus is not native to Dutch culture, and the term generally refers to the Anglo-Saxon depiction. To Dutch speakers the name Saint Nicholas refers to Sinterklaas, who distributes presents to children on the eve or day of December 6, not at Christmas.