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 of patron

• 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

In the meantime, thirsty patrons might start looking elsewhere in the Treasure Valley — such as Meridian, where a police spokesperson said there are no city laws specifically addressing bottomless mimosa deals. —Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026

The duo will work with Rick Cook, former manager and head chef at Mac’s Old House, who will share recipes for classic dishes favored by patrons. —Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026

Now the Securitrons are busted, the last remaining patron of the Gomorrah is a deathclaw, and robotized Robert House is nowhere to be seen. —Jack King, Vulture, 7 Jan. 2026

The Producers Guild of India has joined as chief patron of the initiative. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Jan. 2026

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