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patron

n.
US //ˈpeɪtɹən// UK //pˈeɪtɹən// pa·tron
  1. 1 a customer (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    a person who uses a particular shop, restaurant, or hotel.

    a customer or client, especially a regular one of a specific establishment.

    Example

    The restaurant asks its patrons not to use mobile phones at the table.

    Example

    The library remains a vital resource for its local patrons, providing free internet access and a quiet space for study.

    Usage

    Often used in signs or formal business communications rather than casual conversation.
  2. 2 a financial supporter (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    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.

    Example

    She is a well-known patron of the arts and has donated many paintings.

    Example

    Without the generous support of its royal patrons, the national gallery would have struggled to acquire such a significant collection of Renaissance masterpieces.
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  1. 3 a saint (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Religion

    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.

    Example

    Saint Christopher is known as the patron saint of travellers.

    Example

    The village holds a festival every June to honour their patron saint and pray for a successful harvest.
  2. 4 Roman history (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Formal

    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.

    Example

    In ancient Rome, a patron would provide legal help to his clients.

    Example

    The relationship between patron and client was a fundamental pillar of Roman social and political life, involving mutual obligations of loyalty and support.
Origin

From Middle English patroun, patrone, from Old French patron, from Latin patrōnus, derived from pater (“father”). Doublet of padrone, Patronus, patroon, and pattern.

Word family

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