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

The work stoppage has spurred social media complaints of long lines, closures and delays from patrons on costly ski trips. —Alex Harring, CNBC, 6 Jan. 2025

Israel's strategy of attrition shows signs of success, demonstrated by the destruction of Hamas' leadership and infrastructure in Gaza, as well as the implosion of both Hezbollah and its primary patron in the Near East—the Assad regime. —Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025

The mango duck at Bamboo Penny’s, an upscale Thai restaurant in Leawood at 5720 W. 116th Place, is, for this hard to please patron, a new favorite: Duck, peeled from the bone and lightly fried, it is set on a bed of sauteed asparagus, carrots and chunks of fresh mangoes. —Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 2 Jan. 2025

And the more painstakingly crafted the affair, as is the case with immersive dining experiences, the more likely the customer will do your marketing for you, spreading the word and returning with friends who inevitably become future patrons. —Lilian Raji, Forbes, 2 Jan. 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

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