patron
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
a person who uses a particular shop, restaurant, or hotel.
a customer or client, especially a regular one of a specific establishment.
Simple“The restaurant asks its patrons not to use mobile phones at the table.”
In context“The library remains a vital resource for its local patrons, providing free internet access and a quiet space for study.”
UsageOften used in signs or formal business communications rather than casual conversation.
- 02 C1 Advanced
a person or group that gives money and support to artists, charities, or museums.
a person who provides financial or influential support to an individual, organization, or cause.
Simple“She is a well-known patron of the arts and has donated many paintings.”
In context“Without the generous support of its royal patrons, the national gallery would have struggled to acquire such a significant collection of Renaissance masterpieces.”
Synonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
a saint who is believed to protect a particular place or group of people.
a saint regarded as the special guardian of a person, group, trade, or country.
Simple“Saint Christopher is known as the patron saint of travellers.”
In context“The village holds a festival every June to honour their patron saint and pray for a successful harvest.”
- 04 C2 Proficiency
in ancient Rome, a powerful person who protected and helped a poorer person.
a protector of a dependent or client in the ancient Roman social system, often a former master of a freed slave.
Simple“In ancient Rome, a patron would provide legal help to his clients.”
In context“The relationship between patron and client was a fundamental pillar of Roman social and political life, involving mutual obligations of loyalty and support.”
“Now, Harry is expected to return to Britain in September for the WellChild Awards, a charity he has supported as a royal patron since 2007.”
“Fielding, no less lucky, had a patron and printer who supported him no matter how eccentric his artistic choices.”
From Middle English patroun, patrone, from Old French patron, from Latin patrōnus, derived from pater (“father”). Doublet of padrone, Patronus, patroon, and pattern.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.