Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

Date: 1300-1400
Language: Medieval Latin
Origin: patronus, from Latin pater 'father'

patron

 noun
     
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pa‧tron [countable]
1 someone who supports the activities of an organization, for example by giving money:
a wealthy patron
patron of
a patron of the arts
2 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
➔ 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
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.
 
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