patron
PAY-truhn
Patron (noun) means a person, often wealthy or influential, who financially supports an artist, cause, or institution. Example: “The museum's new wing was funded by a single generous patron.”
noun
1
A person, often wealthy or influential, who financially supports an artist, cause, or institution.
"The museum's new wing was funded by a single generous patron."
"Renaissance painters relied heavily on wealthy patrons for commissions."
"The theatre thanked its patron with a plaque in the foyer."
2
A regular customer of a shop, restaurant, or other business.
"The café's longtime patrons all know the owner by name."
"Patrons are kindly asked to switch off their phones in the restaurant."
"The pub's regular patrons gather there every Friday for the quiz."
How to use patron
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who supports something financially (a patron of the arts), or a regular customer.
Common pairings
patron of the arts
regular patron
patron saint
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Word forms
- Plural
- patrons
- Third person singular
- patrons
- Past tense
- patroned
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The museum's new wing was funded by a single generous _____.
Etymology
From Latin patrōnus, derived from pater ("father") — the same root that gives us pattern and patroon.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for patron
See all rhymes for patron →Frequently asked questions
What does “patron” mean?
The word “patron” means a person, often wealthy or influential, who financially supports an artist, cause, or institution. In plain terms, someone who supports something financially (a patron of the arts), or a regular customer.
How do you pronounce “patron”?
“Patron” is pronounced PAY-truhn (/ˈpeɪ.tɹən/ in IPA).
How do you use “patron” in a sentence?
Here is “patron” used in a sentence: “The museum's new wing was funded by a single generous patron.”
What part of speech is “patron”?
“Patron” is a noun.
Where does the word “patron” come from?
The word “patron” comes from Latin. From Latin patrōnus, derived from pater ("father") — the same root that gives us pattern and patroon.
Is “patron” a common word?
“Patron” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “patron” have?
“Patron” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person, often wealthy or influential, who financially supports an artist, cause, or institution.
What is the difference between a patron and a customer?
Patron often implies a regular or valued customer of a shop, restaurant, or other business, suggesting an ongoing relationship, while customer is a more general, neutral term for anyone making a purchase. Patron can sound slightly more formal or old-fashioned than customer.
What is the difference between a patron and a sponsor?
A patron is a person, often wealthy or influential, who financially supports an artist, cause, or institution, sometimes over a long-term relationship. A sponsor typically provides more specific, often commercial, financial backing, such as funding an event or team in exchange for promotion.
What does patron mean in the phrase "patron saint"?
In "patron saint," patron refers to a protector or guardian figure associated with a particular place, activity, or group, extending the general sense of a supporter or benefactor into a religious context.
