Topic: BUSINESS
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| Date: | 1300-1400 |
| Language: | Medieval Latin |
| Origin: | patronus, from Latin pater 'father' |
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pa‧tron
[countable]
[countable]1 someone who supports the activities of an organization, for example by giving money : a wealthy patron
a wealthy patron2 a famous person who is officially involved with an organization, such as a charity, and whose name is used to help advertise it
3 formalDB someone who uses a particular shop, restaurant, or hotel : facilities for disabled patrons
facilities for disabled patrons ➔ see usage note customerWORD CHOICE: WORD CHOICE:
customer, client, patron, shopper, consumerCustomer is the most general word. A customer is someone who buys something from a particular shop. People who pay to use something such as a transport service can also be called customers • A customer came in and bought several jackets. • Customers are advised that the next train is delayed.A client is someone who pays for a service • a hairdresser and her clientsA patron of a particular restaurant, bar etc is someone who eats or drinks there. This is a fairly formal word and it is more usual to use customer • Patrons are asked to refrain from smoking.A shopper is someone who is involved in the activity of buying things from shops • The street was crowded with shoppers.A consumer is anyone who pays for goods and services. This word is used especially when you are talking about people's rights • Consumers have a right to know what they are buying. ➔ See also customer
WORD CHOICE: customer, client, patron, shopper, consumerCustomer is the most general word. A customer is someone who buys something from a particular shop. People who pay to use something such as a transport service can also be called customers • A customer came in and bought several jackets. • Customers are advised that the next train is delayed.A client is someone who pays for a service • a hairdresser and her clientsA patron of a particular restaurant, bar etc is someone who eats or drinks there. This is a fairly formal word and it is more usual to use customer • Patrons are asked to refrain from smoking.A shopper is someone who is involved in the activity of buying things from shops • The street was crowded with shoppers.A consumer is anyone who pays for goods and services. This word is used especially when you are talking about people's rights • Consumers have a right to know what they are buying. ➔ See also customer
