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
Jeff Beal, owner of the Cigar Vault, said the business uses a ventilation system that recycles the air, so patrons of nearby businesses should not be bothered by the cigar smoke.
—Rachel Royster, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
An unknown number of people were detained after bar patrons confronted the marchers in a conflict that included the use of pepper spray.
—Andrew King, Axios, 18 Nov. 2024
For noon shows, patrons are welcome to come early or stay late for brunch.
—Rachel Bernhard, Journal Sentinel, 12 Nov. 2024
And the library caters to homebound patrons with a program linking them with neighbors who can pick up and drop off materials.
—Maxwell Williams, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for patron 
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Rachel Royster, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
An unknown number of people were detained after bar patrons confronted the marchers in a conflict that included the use of pepper spray.
—Andrew King, Axios, 18 Nov. 2024
For noon shows, patrons are welcome to come early or stay late for brunch.
—Rachel Bernhard, Journal Sentinel, 12 Nov. 2024
And the library caters to homebound patrons with a program linking them with neighbors who can pick up and drop off materials.
—Maxwell Williams, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 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 1 Dec. 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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