patron
- noun
- /ˈpeɪtrən/
- The restaurant is well-known for its friendly staff and loyal patrons who come back every week.
- library patrons
- service to patrons
- local patrons
Examples
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Limited-service restaurants are establishments where patrons generally pay before eating (excluding snack and nonalcoholic beverage bars).
Academic text (2011) -
During the art show, many patrons admired the talent of the local artists.
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And if you're already a patron, hey, thanks.
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There are going to be two patrons.
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The landing page provides information about the book that allows patrons to determine whether they want to read it.
Academic text (2013) -
Librarians usually use a web application like email to receive and respond to patrons' questions.
Academic text (2011) -
One day I had a casual chat with a symphony patron during the concert's intermission.
Academic text (2008) -
Frequent readers and patrons familiar to the staff were asked personally to consider joining the group.
Academic text (2013) -
Although my Info Quest service is not provided 24/7, patrons can submit their questions at any time.
Academic text (2011) -
As a regular patron of the theater, she always buys tickets for the opening night performances.
Synonyms
A person who is often at the same place, like a shop or bar
A customer who goes to the same shop or cafe often
A person who regularly goes to the same place, often as a customer
A woman who is the boss of a small business like a restaurant or hotel
Compounds
How Frequent
Surface Forms
Etymology
Patron comes from the Latin patronus, from pater which means 'father', so imagine a 'father' who looks after a shop or theatre. Because such people supported and protected places, a patron can mean a regular customer who supports a business.