patron

pa-tron · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A customer of a shop, restaurant, or other business.

  2. 2.

    A person who gives financial or other support to a person, organization, or cause.

  3. 3.

    (religion) A saint regarded as the special guardian of a person, place, or activity.

Forms

plural: patrons

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    patron saint — a saint believed to protect a particular place, group, or activity
  • •
    patron of the arts — someone who financially supports artists and cultural institutions

Related words

Antonyms: critic, opponent
See also: customer, patronage, sponsor
Synonyms: benefactor, customer, sponsor, supporter

Etymology

From Latin patronus ("protector, defender"), from pater ("father"). The word originally meant a protector of dependents or clients in Roman society.