patron

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

pa•tron /ˈpeɪtrən/   n. [countable]

1. one who is a customer, esp. a regular one, of a store, etc.:
   Patrons must leave the hotel by 3:00 p.m.
2. one who supports an artist, charity, etc., with money, etc.:
   a patron of the arts.

See -patr-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

pa•tron  (pā′trən), n. 

1. a person who is a customer, client, or paying guest, esp. a regular one, of a store, hotel, or the like.
2. a person who supports with money, gifts, efforts, or endorsement an artist, writer, museum, cause, charity, institution, special event, or the like:
   a patron of the arts; patrons of the annual Democratic dance.
3. a person whose support or protection is solicited or acknowledged by the dedication of a book or other work.
4. Religion See patron saint. 
5. Ancient History Rom. Hist. the protector of a dependent or client, often the former master of a freedman still retaining certain rights over him.
6. Religion [Eccles.] a person who has the right of presenting a member of the clergy to a benefice.

• Medieval Latin, Latin patrōnus legal protector, advocate (Medieval Latin: lord, master), der. of pater father. See pattern
• Middle English 1250–1300

pa′tron•al, pa′tron•ly, adj. 
pa′tron•dom, pa′tron•ship′, n. 
pa′tron•less, adj. 

pa•trón  (pä trôn′) n., pl. -tron•es(-trô′nes). Spanish.

1. Foreign Terms (in Mexico and the southwestern U.S.) a boss;
   employer.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

patron / ˈpeɪtrən/ noun

1. a person who sponsors or aids artists, charities, etc; protector or benefactor
2. a customer of a shop, hotel, etc, esp a regular one
3. See patron saint

Etymology: 14th Century: via Old French from Latin patrōnus protector, from pater father

patron / patrɔ̃/ noun

1. a man who owns or manages a hotel, restaurant, or bar