Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who gives financial or other support to a person, organization, cause, or activity: A patron provides backing, often to artists, charities, or institutions.
   • A customer, especially a regular one, of a store, restaurant, or other business: A patron is someone who frequents and uses the services of an establishment.
   • The owner or manager of an establishment, such as an inn or hotel: In historical or formal contexts, a patron can refer to the proprietor.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Supporter):
  • She was a generous patron of the local art museum.
  • The library was built with funds from a wealthy patron.
• Noun (Customer):
  • The café's loyal patrons enjoy the quiet atmosphere.
  • Patrons are asked to wait to be seated.
• Noun (Proprietor - historical/formal):
  • The patron of the inn greeted the travelers at the door.

Advanced Usage

• "Patron of the arts": A person who supports artists, musicians, or cultural institutions, often financially.
  • The Medici family were famous patrons of the arts during the Renaissance.
• "Patron saint": A saint regarded as the special guardian or protector of a person, group, trade, or country.
  • Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland.

Variants and Related Words

• Patronage (n): The support, especially financial, given by a patron; also, the power to grant favors or appointments.
  • The gallery depends on the patronage of local businesses.
• Patronize (v):
  • To be a regular customer of a business.

    • We patronize the family-owned grocery store.
  • To treat someone with an apparent kindness that betrays a feeling of superiority (often negative).

    • Don't patronize me; I understand the problem perfectly.
• Patronizing (adj): Having a superior manner, condescending.
  • He gave a patronizing smile.

Synonyms

• Benefactor: A person who gives money or other help to a person or cause.
• Sponsor: A person or organization that provides funds for a project or activity.
• Client: A person using the services of a professional or organization.
• Regular: A regular customer.

Related Phrases

• "To seek patronage": To look for financial or influential support.
  • The young composer went to the city to seek patronage.
• "Under the patronage of": Supported or sponsored by.
  • The concert was held under the patronage of the cultural minister.

Noun

1. someone who supports or champions something
2. the proprietor of an inn
3. a regular customer