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 Gina Weingart, 37, was tending bar shortly after midnight Feb. 1 with Emerson Weingart, 33, and another patron inside. Drew Dawson, Journal Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2024 The details mentioned in our review may be subject to change as casinos seek to improve their sites to offer their patrons a better gambling experience. Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2024 In Alps, the actors and their patrons treat the macabre service as commonplace and routine, behaving with an emotional detachment that feels incongruous with the strange situation. Allaire Nuss, EW.com, 8 Mar. 2024 But that day never came, even as patrons like Leo Browning, a 40-year-old IT worker, held out hope that someone would swoop in, buy the Hooters franchise and restore it to its former glory. Jonathan Edwards, Washington Post, 7 Mar. 2024 The History of the Hot Brown The dish originated in the 1920s, when flocks of patrons gathered to refuel at the hotel restaurant following The Brown’s popular dinner dances, which drew 1,200 guests nightly. Robin Roenker, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2024 Celebrating the life of a Miami arts giant And on a somber note, Miami’s arts community will pay their respects to a legendary arts patron and philanthropist. Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 29 Feb. 2024 Nearly $60,000 made from North Carolina’s sales tax tacked onto patrons’ bills never made it to the state, according to the Department of Revenue. Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 29 Feb. 2024 Artists that resonate with Rose and patrons include Alberto Cruz, Zahra Marwan, and Terran Last Gun (Amskapi Piikani Blackfeet). Lauren Mowery, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'patron.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near patron

Cite this Entry

“Patron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patron. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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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