patronage

noun

pa·​tron·​age ˈpa-trə-nij How to pronounce patronage (audio) ˈpā- How to pronounce patronage (audio)
1
2
: the support or influence of a patron
the patronage of science by universities
3
: kindness done with an air of superiority
The prince deigned to bestow his patronage on the composer.
4
: business or activity provided by patrons
the new branch library is expected to have a heavy patronage
5
a
: the power to make appointments to government jobs especially for political advantage
oust his enemies from office and use the patronage to support his policiesH. K. Beale
b
: the distribution of jobs on the basis of patronage
The governor filled the vacated positions through patronage.
c
: jobs distributed by patronage
the government's vast network of patronage

Examples of patronage in a Sentence

The college relied on the patronage of its wealthy graduates to expand its funds. They thanked her for her patronage of the new hospital. The city should do more to encourage patronage of local businesses. a system of political patronage
Recent Examples on the Web Monetization shifts, platform algorithms, advertising challenges, and the ebb and flow of patronage — all these converging factors have led to many closures in the industry. Todd Spangler, Variety, 6 Mar. 2024 But for all the talent Los Angeles has attracted over the years, and its success in founding other performing arts institutions, the city has struggled to establish lasting dance companies able to attract and maintain audiences and patronage. Robin Pogrebin, New York Times, 6 Feb. 2024 Having established himself as the life of every party and a source of delicious gossip, Capote ingratiated himself to the group, which rewarded him with their friendship and patronage. Brian Lowry, CNN, 31 Jan. 2024 After Skokie Trustee James Johnson walked off the dais at a village board meeting Jan. 16 to make a public comment accusing the Village Board of political hiring or patronage in the village’s legal department, Mayor George Van Dusen cautioned him. Richard Requena, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2024 Additionally, the pivot to remote work has affected businesses that rely on the patronage of office workers, such as restaurants and mom-and-pop shops, leading to economic challenges in downtown urban locations. Jack Kelly, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2024 Its patronage for the axis of resistance is part and parcel of that campaign. Hamidreza Azizi, Foreign Affairs, 14 Feb. 2024 The hotel has a 120-year history, known for the patronage of celebrities like Amelia Earhart, Walter Chrysler, Joe DiMaggio, George Burns, Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball, according to Luxe Beat Magazine. Julia Daye, Sacramento Bee, 2 Feb. 2024 Yet the writ of these officials is nonexistent, and the police officer payments are simply a form of patronage, with Hamas exercising full control over the lives of Palestinians in Gaza before October 7. Daniel Byman, Foreign Affairs, 4 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'patronage.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of patronage was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near patronage

Cite this Entry

“Patronage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patronage. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

patronage

noun
pa·​tron·​age ˈpa-trə-nij How to pronounce patronage (audio) ˈpā- How to pronounce patronage (audio)
1
: the support or influence of a patron
2
: business or activity provided by patrons
3
: the power to give out government jobs, contracts, or favors

More from Merriam-Webster on patronage

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