patronage

noun

pa·​tron·​age ˈpa-trə-nij  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

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

Synonyms

• aegis
• egis
• auspice
• backing
• sponsorship

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 resolution also prohibits outside countries from arming any nonstate group in Lebanon, a clear reference to Iran’s patronage of Hezbollah. —Steven Simon, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2024

Still, Kato sees potential in the longer term given strong domestic patronage. —Amala Balakrishner, CNBC, 29 Oct. 2024

Despite her patronages and frequent appearances at royal events, Princess Beatrice is not technically a working royal like her cousin Prince William and his wife, Kate Middleton. —Janine Henni, People.com, 30 Oct. 2024

But Kennelly viewed himself as a reformer, turning government jobs ripe for patronage into civil service positions. —Ray Long, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

patronage

noun

pa·​tron·​age ˈpa-trə-nij  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