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

Moe’s Tavern in The Simpsons is down one patron after the show said goodbye to one of its longtime characters. —Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 26 Apr. 2024

Appearing at a private event meant to support up-and-coming artists at a bar in New York City's East Village, Weinstein is confronted by a patron and two comediennes outraged by the producer's appearance at the event. —Chris Francescani, ABC News, 26 Apr. 2024

Moe's Tavern lost a longtime patron in the latest episode of The Simpsons, sending not just Homer & Co. but also viewers into mourning. —Jessica Wang, EW.com, 25 Apr. 2024

Trunk Space is a volunteer-run organization whose members include longtime patrons, performers, artists and volunteers dedicated to keeping indie music and the arts alive in Phoenix. —The Arizona Republic, 25 Apr. 2024

Five security staff members were arrested after California police accused them of removing a sober patron from a bar and beating him on the sidewalk following an argument. —Daniella Segura, Sacramento Bee, 22 Apr. 2024

The boutique offers its patrons muses of elegance, from the Mona Lisa to Cate Blanchett, and suggestions to mimic their style. —Selene Oliva, Vogue, 22 Apr. 2024

As ruling circles in Beijing have discovered time and again, Kim does not always defer to his patrons. —Stephen Kotkin, Foreign Affairs, 18 Apr. 2024

Politics ‘Just amazing’: How San Diego undid a program that widened library disparities, and boosted its neediest branches Feb. 18, 2024 Gloria also proposes to cut $670,000 from a program called SD Access 4 All that lets patrons borrow laptops and wifi hotspots for free. —David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 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