Patrons
/ˈpeɪtrənz/
Definitions
2 meaningsA person who supports or gives financial help to a person, organization, cause, or activity. Often refers to customers of a business.
/ˈpeɪtrən/
A person who gives financial or other support to a person, organization, cause, or activity.
The art gallery's patrons enjoyed a private viewing of the new exhibit.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're a big fan of a coffee shop! You go there all the time, buy lots of coffee, and tell your friends to go too. You are a patron of that coffee shop!
👶 For kids: A patron is someone who helps a person or place by giving them money or buying things from them.
More Examples
The library's patrons benefit from the donations of local businesses.
The company values its long-term patrons.
How It's Used
"The museum relies heavily on the generosity of its patrons."
"The restaurant is always busy, thanks to its loyal patrons."
A regular customer of a business or institution.
/ˈpeɪtrən/
A regular customer of a store, restaurant, or other business.
The restaurant was filled with patrons enjoying their meals.
💡 Simply: Think about your favorite restaurant or store. The people who go there and buy things are the patrons! They keep the business going.
👶 For kids: A patron is someone who goes to a store or restaurant to buy stuff.
More Examples
The bookstore welcomed many patrons during the weekend.
The theater thanked its loyal patrons.
How It's Used
"The coffee shop was bustling with patrons on a Saturday morning."
"The hotel's patrons praised the excellent service."
Synonyms
From Middle French patron, from Latin patronus ('protector, defender'), from pater ('father'). Originally referred to a protector or guardian; later evolved to mean a supporter, especially of the arts or a business.
Historically, patrons were often wealthy individuals who supported artists and scholars.
Memory tip
Think of a "father" figure (pater) supporting something.