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patron

patron

108 3.7
A regular customer of a place like a shop or theatre
  • noun
  • /ˈpeɪtrən/
translation icon : cliente
  • 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

  • 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.

  • And if you're already a patron, hey, thanks.

  • There are going to be two patrons.

  • 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

fixture
vspatron
32 5.5

A person who is often at the same place, like a shop or bar

focuses more on steady support of a business than mere presence
reg
vspatron
  • Informal
6 8.3

A customer who goes to the same shop or cafe often

is the standard word used for regular business support
frequenter
vspatron
1 5.0

A person who regularly goes to the same place, often as a customer

is about regular support of a business rather than just visiting
patronne
vspatron
  • UK
9.6

A woman who is the boss of a small business like a restaurant or hotel

is gender neutral and means a regular supporter rather than a female role

Compounds

18 4.9

A saint who protects a group, place, or kind of work

How Frequent

regular
111 2.8
patron
108 3.7
customer
1.0
visitor
908 1.0

Surface Forms

patron singular
patrons plural

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.