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
Another viral video was taken by a diner in Atlantic Station and records loud sounds as the other patrons decide whether to run or hide under their tables.
—Irene Wright, USA Today, 30 Dec. 2025
Investigators did not report if the person was a staff member or patron of the estate, which is open to the public for tours.
—Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 30 Dec. 2025
On the lobby level is the Funny Library Coffee Shop, where patrons sip on La Colombe roast against a backdrop of dark-wood shelves, entertaining books, and a human-size bunny sculpture.
—AFAR Media, 30 Dec. 2025
In the meantime, patrons are encouraged by Miami-Dade to visit nearby public library system locations, including the Culmer/Overtown Branch, Model City Branch and Edison Center Branch.
—Luisa Yanez, Miami Herald, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for patron
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Irene Wright, USA Today, 30 Dec. 2025
Investigators did not report if the person was a staff member or patron of the estate, which is open to the public for tours.
—Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 30 Dec. 2025
On the lobby level is the Funny Library Coffee Shop, where patrons sip on La Colombe roast against a backdrop of dark-wood shelves, entertaining books, and a human-size bunny sculpture.
—AFAR Media, 30 Dec. 2025
In the meantime, patrons are encouraged by Miami-Dade to visit nearby public library system locations, including the Culmer/Overtown Branch, Model City Branch and Edison Center Branch.
—Luisa Yanez, Miami Herald, 29 Dec. 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 31 Dec. 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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