patroness

noun

pa·​tron·​ess ˈpā-trə-nəs How to pronounce patroness (audio)
: a woman who is a patron

Examples of patroness in a Sentence

a patroness of the arts
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Greek Meaning: Good woman Alternative Spellings & Variations: Agathe, Aggie, Agata Famous Namesakes: designer Agatha Ruiz De La Prada, novelist Agatha Christie Peak Popularity: 1891 Fun Fact: St. Agatha of Sicily is the patroness of breast cancer patients. Anna Moeslein, Parents, 22 July 2024 When it was founded, St. Mary’s was known as Immaculate Conception — the patroness of the United States. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 2 June 2024 Whitney Biennial 2024: Even Better Than the Real Thing Whitney Museum of American Art If another great American patroness with a namesake museum, Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, had it her way her legacy would be her own sculptures. Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 24 Feb. 2024 Brigid later became popular in Irish Christian tradition as Saint Brigid, the patroness saint of Ireland. Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 26 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for patroness 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of patroness was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near patroness

Cite this Entry

“Patroness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patroness. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

patroness

noun
pa·​tron·​ess ˈpā-trə-nəs How to pronounce patroness (audio)
: a woman who is a patron: as
a
: a woman chosen as a special guardian or supporter
b
: a woman who gives generous support or approval

More from Merriam-Webster on patroness

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!