# patron

/ˈpeɪtɹən/ (US) · /pˈeɪtɹən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/patron
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. a customer

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

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

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

- The restaurant asks its patrons not to use mobile phones at the table.
- 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. a financial supporter

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a person or group that gives money and support to artists, charities, or museums.

For teachers: a person who provides financial or influential support to an individual, organization, or cause.

- She is a well-known patron of the arts and has donated many paintings.
- Without the generous support of its royal patrons, the national gallery would have struggled to acquire such a significant collection of Renaissance masterpieces.

### 3. a saint

noun · CEFR B2

a saint who is believed to protect a particular place or group of people.

For teachers: a saint regarded as the special guardian of a person, group, trade, or country.

- Saint Christopher is known as the patron saint of travellers.
- The village holds a festival every June to honour their patron saint and pray for a successful harvest.

### 4. Roman history

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

in ancient Rome, a powerful person who protected and helped a poorer person.

For teachers: a protector of a dependent or client in the ancient Roman social system, often a former master of a freed slave.

- In ancient Rome, a patron would provide legal help to his clients.
- The relationship between patron and client was a fundamental pillar of Roman social and political life, involving mutual obligations of loyalty and support.

## Examples

- The local museum thanked every patron who donated money this year.
- The wealthy patron funded the young painter's studio for three years, allowing her to focus entirely on her art.
- While the library relies on government grants for its basic operations, it is the generous contributions from private patrons that allow for the expansion of its rare manuscript collection.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.