noun
patron
PAY-truhn
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."
2
A regular customer of a shop, restaurant, or other business.
"The café's longtime patrons all know the owner by name."
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
Word Forms
patroned past tense, patrons plural, patrons singular
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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.