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
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
Synonyms
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
Rumors spread online months ago that Boise doughnut shop DK Donuts was closing its store on the corner of 13th and State streets, much to the chagrin of its patrons.
—Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 27 June 2024
Having opened in January, the upscale deli has impressed patrons with its savory subs, coffee bar and homey feel, a turn-on for a fast-food joint these days.
—Allana Haynes, Baltimore Sun, 27 June 2024
Maya and Konstantin approach collecting as patrons, conducting extensive research into an artist’s oeuvre and acquiring all the topical books possible along the way.
—Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 27 June 2024
The Princess of Wales, 42, regularly attends Wimbledon and is known for awarding trophies at the tennis tournament as the patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
—Stephanie Petit, Peoplemag, 27 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for patron 
Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 27 June 2024
Having opened in January, the upscale deli has impressed patrons with its savory subs, coffee bar and homey feel, a turn-on for a fast-food joint these days.
—Allana Haynes, Baltimore Sun, 27 June 2024
Maya and Konstantin approach collecting as patrons, conducting extensive research into an artist’s oeuvre and acquiring all the topical books possible along the way.
—Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 27 June 2024
The Princess of Wales, 42, regularly attends Wimbledon and is known for awarding trophies at the tennis tournament as the patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
—Stephanie Petit, Peoplemag, 27 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for patron
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.
Dictionary Entries Near patron
Cite this Entry
“Patron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patron. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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)
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