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

• account
• client
• customer
• guest
• punter [chiefly British]

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

Generous patrons of the New Museum were spoiled with rare artworks and one-in-a-lifetime experiences. —Maia Torres, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2024

Burnett said the Milwaukee County Dispatch Center was notified about a human leg being found when a park patron walking in the park called in to report the grotesque discovery. —Stepheny Price, Fox News, 4 Apr. 2024

Shortly before first pitch yesterday, the Brewers announced that no parking violations would be levied against patrons who experienced Opening Day connectivity issues and could not activate their parking passes. —Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2024

Mingling with patrons in the Flight Deck area tips things off and a seemingly endless loop through the Founder’s level triggers the crowd. —Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 28 Mar. 2024

Drug-testing kits to be offered to patrons in California bars this summer. —Teresa Watanabe, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2024

Since publishing Brutally Honest, Brown has leaned into her work as a patron of Women’s Aid, a domestic violence survivors’ charity in the UK. —Rachel Desantis, Peoplemag, 27 Mar. 2024

With their long history as patrons of the arts, the Cacciatores knew the difference between tossing money at artists and nurturing them. —Jason Kersten, Rolling Stone, 23 Mar. 2024

Working royals are patrons to thousands of charities — having a royal’s name attached to a charity adds kudos and helps draw attention to causes. —Karla Adam, Washington Post, 24 Mar. 2024

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

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