What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
patron
Example
The restaurant's patrons were all regulars who came in every week. [patrons: noun]
Example
She was a patron of the arts and donated generously to local theater productions. [patron: noun]
Example
The library's patrons were mostly students and researchers. [patrons: noun]
customer
Example
The store's customers were all looking for the latest fashion trends. [customers: noun]
Example
He was a loyal customer of the car dealership and always bought his cars there. [customer: noun]
Example
The company's customers were mostly located in Europe and Asia. [customers: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Customer is more commonly used than patron in everyday language, especially in the context of commercial businesses. Patron is less common and more specific to certain contexts, such as arts, culture, and non-profit organizations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between patron and customer?
Both patron and customer can be used in formal and informal contexts, but patron may be perceived as more formal and sophisticated due to its association with arts, culture, and non-profit organizations.
