patroness
Americannoun
noun
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a woman who sponsors or aids artists, charities, etc; protector or benefactor
-
See patron saint
Gender
See -ess.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of patroness
1375–1425; late Middle English patronesse female patron saint < Old French
Vocabulary lists containing patroness
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Their missive even concluded with a shout-out to Our Lady of Guadalupe, the brown, pregnant apparition of the Virgin Mary who’s the patroness of the Americas for Catholics.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 15, 2025
Authorities estimated that over five million faithful visited the Basilica during the days leading up to the annual celebration of the country’s patroness.
From Seattle Times • Dec. 12, 2023
Many stopped to kiss an icon of the patroness of their city, which an employee of the church said had been pulled from the rubble.
From New York Times • Jul. 25, 2023
Local officials said the icon of the patroness of the city was retrieved from under the rubble.
From Washington Times • Jul. 23, 2023
“Hannah left it on the kitchen table a minute, and the kittens got at it. I’m very sorry, Amy,” added Beth, who was still a patroness of cats.
From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
