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
Helping locals find their passions Though its patrons come from beyond Hollywood — Miami Shores, North Miami, Miramar, Fort Lauderdale, even Boca Raton — Champagne Shack is all about the locals.
—Miami Herald, 18 June 2026
Founded by art patrons and philanthropists John and Dominique de Menil, the museum currently occupies a 30-acre campus in Houston, which includes the Menil Drawing Institute, Cy Twombly Gallery, and Dan Flavin Installation at Richmond Hall.
—News Desk, Artforum, 18 June 2026
New York police executing a search warrant raided an LGBTQ+ bar called the Stonewall Inn, and some of the patrons resisted as officers continued interrogating them and bar employees.
—USA Today, 17 June 2026
Medici, David’s parent company, was named very intentionally after the Medici family, who were patrons of art.
—Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for patron
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Miami Herald, 18 June 2026
Founded by art patrons and philanthropists John and Dominique de Menil, the museum currently occupies a 30-acre campus in Houston, which includes the Menil Drawing Institute, Cy Twombly Gallery, and Dan Flavin Installation at Richmond Hall.
—News Desk, Artforum, 18 June 2026
New York police executing a search warrant raided an LGBTQ+ bar called the Stonewall Inn, and some of the patrons resisted as officers continued interrogating them and bar employees.
—USA Today, 17 June 2026
Medici, David’s parent company, was named very intentionally after the Medici family, who were patrons of art.
—Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for patron
Cite this Entry
“Patron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patron. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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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