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
One complication with Niccol’s vision of a Starbucks filled with lingering patrons is that 70% of store orders—including 40% drive-thru and 30% mobile, according to the CEO—come from customers looking to grab a coffee and go.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 31 Dec. 2025
The steakhouse already has loyal patrons or curious customers wanting to try its food.
—Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Dec. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for patron
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Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 31 Dec. 2025
The steakhouse already has loyal patrons or curious customers wanting to try its food.
—Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Dec. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for patron
Cite this Entry
“Patron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patron. Accessed 3 Jan. 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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