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
Art critic Eva Diaz, writing for ArtReview, says that
Of the ‘creative’ pursuits, architecture is among the most dependent on big piles of capital in order to get its work off the ground: patronage is a constitutive yoke of the profession.
—Matt Shaw, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
While Andrew has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, the royal family forced him to step down from his public duties and charity patronages in 2019 after giving a disastrous television interview.
—Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 12 Feb. 2025
Cafes, coffee shops and restaurants are vital members of our communities that need our patronage and support more than ever.
—Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2025
Using their platforms to make an impact, Princess Kate, King Charles and the Duchess of York have all respectively taken on new patronages working to support cancer patients following their individual experiences.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 20 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for patronage
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Matt Shaw, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
While Andrew has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, the royal family forced him to step down from his public duties and charity patronages in 2019 after giving a disastrous television interview.
—Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 12 Feb. 2025
Cafes, coffee shops and restaurants are vital members of our communities that need our patronage and support more than ever.
—Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2025
Using their platforms to make an impact, Princess Kate, King Charles and the Duchess of York have all respectively taken on new patronages working to support cancer patients following their individual experiences.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 20 Jan. 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 13 Mar. 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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