patron

noun

pa·​tron ˈpā-trən 

for sense 6 also

pa-ˈtrōⁿ 

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 patron …

—D. 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 

 British  pə-ˈtrō-nᵊl

pa-

adjective

Synonyms

• customer
• client
• guest

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

Authorities allege Brown fatally shot a bartender and three patrons inside The Owl Bar in Anaconda, Mont., around 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 1, PEOPLE previously reported. —Nicole Acosta, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025

The years-long dispute over noise between downtown Kissimmee residents who want sleep and bar owners and patrons who want music came to an end Tuesday when commissioners approved a stricter noise ordinance. —Natalia Jaramillo, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2025

Thus far, patron reaction to the changes and additions has been positive. —Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025

Another solution is hoping that wealthy patrons fond of public radio will pony up. —David Browne, Rolling Stone, 4 Aug. 2025

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

Phrases Containing patron

• patron saint

Rhymes for patron

• matron

Kids Definition

patron

noun

pa·​tron ˈpā-trən 

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