patronage
noun
pa·tron·age
ˈpa-trə-nij 
ˈpā-
ˈpā-
1
: advowson
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 policies—
H. K. Beale
H. 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
The shift away from a patronage system produced a more stable and efficient federal workforce, which has enabled improvements in many critical areas, including seismic safety and disaster response.
—Jonathan P. Stewart, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2025
Farming can be a lonely profession with intense pressure, and William's official patronage of We Are Farming Minds, an existing partner in the plan, enforces his support for this sector.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025
The designer and the company’s link with design and architecture, as well as patronage of the arts, is best exemplified by the Fondazione Prada art space, established in 1993, which has locations in Milan and Venice.
—Martino Carrera, WWD, 24 Mar. 2025
The New Zealander wants to make grand prix sailing commercially viable, to drag it from being almost purely reliant on the patronage of wealthy individuals to being able to wash its own face.
—Andrew Rice, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for patronage
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Jonathan P. Stewart, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2025
Farming can be a lonely profession with intense pressure, and William's official patronage of We Are Farming Minds, an existing partner in the plan, enforces his support for this sector.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025
The designer and the company’s link with design and architecture, as well as patronage of the arts, is best exemplified by the Fondazione Prada art space, established in 1993, which has locations in Milan and Venice.
—Martino Carrera, WWD, 24 Mar. 2025
The New Zealander wants to make grand prix sailing commercially viable, to drag it from being almost purely reliant on the patronage of wealthy individuals to being able to wash its own face.
—Andrew Rice, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for patronage
Cite this Entry
“Patronage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patronage. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
patronage
noun
pa·tron·age
ˈpa-trə-nij
ˈpā-
ˈpā-
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
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