patron
noun
pa·tron
| \ ˈpā-trən
, for sense 6 also pa-ˈtrōⁿ
\
, for sense 6 also pa-ˈtrōⁿ
\
Definition of patron
1a
: 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 in ancient times who freed his slave but retained some rights over him
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
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Other Words from patron
patronal
\ ˈpā-trə-nᵊl
; British pə-ˈtrō-nᵊl , pa- \
adjective
; British pə-ˈtrō-nᵊl , pa- \
adjective
Synonyms for patron
Synonyms
account, client, customer, guest, punter [chiefly British]
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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 nonprofit faced a barrage of online criticism late last month because Andrew was listed as a patron on the Royal Family’s website. — Martha Ross, The Mercury News, "Prince Andrew isn’t wanted: Charities distance themselves from scandal-plagued royal," 4 Sep. 2019 As a patron of charities, David Koch ranked among the most open-handed donors of his era, disbursing more than $1 billion to cultural and medical nonprofit organizations. — Bill Hewitt, Washington Post, "David Koch, billionaire industrialist who influenced conservative politics, dies at 79," 23 Aug. 2019 As a patron of charities, David Koch ranked among the most open-handed donors of his era, disbursing more than $1 billion to cultural and medical nonprofit organizations. — Bill Hewitt, Anchorage Daily News, "David Koch, billionaire industrialist who influenced conservative politics, dies at 79," 23 Aug. 2019 One of the men started to confront the bouncer, which caused pushing and shoving from other patrons, the bouncer reported. — Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, "St. Paul police investigating man’s report of bouncer’s gay slur, assault; Lowertown bar disputes account," 19 Aug. 2019 Earlier this year, Rolling Stones manager Glastry’s Joyce Smyth became a patron of the Women Make Music fund offering bespoke mentorship and career support to three artists, songwriters or composers each year. — Richard Smirke, Billboard, "'Barriers Still Need to Be Broken Down': AWAL Partners With PRS Foundation to Address Gender Gap," 14 Aug. 2019 Meghan, who officially became royal patron of Smart Works in January, has greatly impacted the charity's reach. — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Meghan Markle Teases Her Charitable New Collection on Instagram," 31 July 2019 Will and Kate sat in the Royal Box on Centre court during Men's Finals Day of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (of which Kate happens to be the royal patron). — Kayleigh Roberts, Marie Claire, "Kate Middleton Wears Custom Blue Emilia Wickstead Dress to Wimbledon with Prince William," 14 July 2019 With a keen interest in fashion, Sophie became the first ever patron of the London College of Fashion in 2013. — Moniquejessen, PEOPLE.com, "Sophie, Countess of Wessex Wore an Unexpected Purse to Wimbledon — with an American Twist!," 11 July 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'patron.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for patron
patron
noun
English Language Learners Definition of patron
: a person who gives money and support to an artist, organization, etc.
somewhat formal
: a person who buys the goods or uses the services of a business, library, etc.
See the full definition for patron in the English Language Learners Dictionary
patron
noun
pa·tron
| \ ˈpā-trən
\
\
Kids Definition of patron
1
: a person who gives generous support or approval
2
: customer
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