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
While some patrons are sad to see longtime purveyors leave, the response has mostly been positive, Gallup said.
—Sara Rosenthal, The Denver Post, 5 Nov. 2024
Unlike most late fall festivals, Thessaloniki in Northern Greece regularly draws packed crowds of passionate and youthful patrons, largely thanks to the city’s significant student population.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2024
Seating will be added to the welcome center’s liquor and grocery/deli, offering patrons a spot to enjoy a sandwich with a marsh view.
—Mike Dojc, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
The cinema chain’s worldwide average ticket price amounted to $7.62, with concession revenue per patron coming in at $6.08.
—Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for patron 
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Sara Rosenthal, The Denver Post, 5 Nov. 2024
Unlike most late fall festivals, Thessaloniki in Northern Greece regularly draws packed crowds of passionate and youthful patrons, largely thanks to the city’s significant student population.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2024
Seating will be added to the welcome center’s liquor and grocery/deli, offering patrons a spot to enjoy a sandwich with a marsh view.
—Mike Dojc, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
The cinema chain’s worldwide average ticket price amounted to $7.62, with concession revenue per patron coming in at $6.08.
—Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for patron
Dictionary Entries Near patron
Cite this Entry
“Patron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patron. Accessed 22 Nov. 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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