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 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 At this Lower East Side cafe, patrons order up charcoals instead of cappuccinos and find the joy of getting their hands dirty. Nancy Coleman Vidhya Nagarajan, New York Times, 23 Mar. 2024 Princess Eugenie, who serves as an Elephant Family patron alongside her mother, the Duchess of York, referenced Shand’s legacy in her recap on Instagram. Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 21 Mar. 2024 Moviegoers often recite Kidman’s monologue aloud along with her in the darkened theater, to the guffaws and laughter of other patrons. Alli Rosenbloom, CNN, 19 Mar. 2024 The princess became the royal patron of the Rugby Football Union and Rugby Football League in 2022, taking over from Prince Harry. Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 19 Mar. 2024 An argument between patrons at a Broad Ripple bar is said to have sparked the shooting over the weekend that killed a 37-year-old father and injured five others – leading Indianapolis police on a search that ended in an arrest. Sarah Nelson, The Indianapolis Star, 18 Mar. 2024 Visitors can bring blankets and patron food trucks on the day of the eclipse. Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 15 Mar. 2024 The brilliance of the juke joint is that not only do the patrons feel pleasure, but the people behind the stove, behind the bar, and behind the instruments feel it too. Korsha Wilson, Bon Appétit, 11 Mar. 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 28 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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