patron

noun

pa·​tron ˈpā-trən How to pronounce patron (audio)
for sense 6 also
pa-ˈtrōⁿ How to pronounce patron (audio)
plural patrons
1
a
: a person chosen, named, or honored as a special guardian, protector, or supporter
a patron of the arts
b
: a wealthy or influential supporter of an artist or writer
… the unspoken contract between artist and patronD. D. R. Owen
c
: a social or financial sponsor of a social function (such as a ball or concert)
a patron of the annual masked ball
2
: one that uses wealth or influence to help an individual, an institution, or a cause
a patron of the city library
3
: one who buys the goods or uses the services offered especially by an establishment
a restaurant's patrons
4
: the holder of the right of presentation to an English ecclesiastical benefice
5
: a master (see master entry 1 sense 2g) in ancient times who freed a person he had held in slavery but retained some rights over that person
6
[French, from Middle French] : the proprietor of an establishment (such as an inn) especially in France
7
: the chief male officer in some fraternal lodges having both men and women members
patronal
ˈpā-trə-nᵊl How to pronounce patron (audio)
 British  pə-ˈtrō-nᵊl
pa-
adjective

Examples of patron in a Sentence

She is a well-known patron of the arts. the wealthy philanthropist is one of the city's most generous patrons of its symphony orchestra
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While each cup of lemonade costs $1, some patrons have offered much more. Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2025 So that the stadium — already gifted, prime public land — can offer a few more parking spots for its patrons, while our kids are left with fewer places to play. John Herbst, Sun Sentinel, 5 July 2025 Despite the costs, parks officials want plentiful places for patrons to take care of their business. Patricia Gallagher Newberry, The Enquirer, 4 July 2025 The room was filled with couches and coffee tables, and Prince was in a chatty mood, walking through the crowd and talking to patrons and friends while the band jammed. Danielle Bacher, People.com, 4 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for patron

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin & Latin; Medieval Latin patronus patron saint, patron of a benefice, pattern, from Latin, defender, from patr-, pater

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of patron was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Patron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patron. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

patron

noun
pa·​tron ˈpā-trən How to pronounce patron (audio)
1
: a person chosen as a special guardian or supporter
a patron of poets
2
: one who gives generous support or approval
a patron of the arts
3
: a person who buys the goods or uses the services offered (as by a business)
Etymology

Middle English patroun "a special guardian or protector," from early French patrun, patron (same meaning), from Latin patronus "patron, patron saint," from earlier patronus "defender," from patr-, pater "father" — related to padre, paternal, pattern

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