patron

Everyday

1. A patron is a person who gives money or support to an artist, a charity or a group. tree →
2. A customer of a shop, restaurant, library or other place. tree →
3. A patron saint is a saint who is believed to protect a country, a place or a group of people. tree →

In the lessons

Used in history about kings and rich people who paid artists. In everyday life signs say "Patrons only" for customers. Phrase: "patron saint" (Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland).

Examples

• Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. tree →
• The library asks patrons to be quiet. tree →
• The queen was a patron of the hospital charity. tree →
• Rich patrons paid painters long ago. tree →
• Parking is for patrons only. tree →
• The restaurant thanked its patrons. tree →
• Saint George is the patron saint of England. tree →
• Mercury soon appeared and said to him, “O thou most base fellow? how can I believe thee, who hast disowned and wronged thy former patron?” tree →

Note

Countable. "Patron" (a person) is different from "pattern" (a design). Related: patronage, patronise (which can also mean to talk down to someone).