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
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
Campbell-Alexander also said he and his colleagues weren’t given any training on ride maintenance or patron safety.
—Mike Schneider, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2025
Campbell-Alexander also said he and his colleagues weren't given any training on ride maintenance or patron safety.
—CBS News, 20 Mar. 2025
While this technically isn't actually karaoke, this scene from 27 Dresses is worth an honorable mention for the epic singalong, as Heigl's Jane and Marsden's Kevin lead the fellow patrons into belting out and butchering the lyrics of the 1973 classic.
—Ew Staff Published, EW.com, 20 Mar. 2025
At those times, two-thirds to three-quarters of its patrons are tourists while the locals prevail in the slower seasons.
—Gary Stern, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for patron
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Mike Schneider, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2025
Campbell-Alexander also said he and his colleagues weren't given any training on ride maintenance or patron safety.
—CBS News, 20 Mar. 2025
While this technically isn't actually karaoke, this scene from 27 Dresses is worth an honorable mention for the epic singalong, as Heigl's Jane and Marsden's Kevin lead the fellow patrons into belting out and butchering the lyrics of the 1973 classic.
—Ew Staff Published, EW.com, 20 Mar. 2025
At those times, two-thirds to three-quarters of its patrons are tourists while the locals prevail in the slower seasons.
—Gary Stern, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for patron
Cite this Entry
“Patron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patron. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
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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