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

His role, as a flawed genius who suffers for his art but is undone by his hubris, his drug addiction and the cutoff of his wealthy employer’s patronage, is harrowing. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Dec. 2024

By contrast, the discretionary nature of tariff administration is a vacuum into which corruption is pulled, turning what might seem like a technical trade policy into a tool of political patronage. —Andrew Leahey, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

Under a series of previous owners, the pavilions became neglected and for years lost retail tenants and patronage. —Lorraine Mirabella, Baltimore Sun, 15 Nov. 2024

With 200 people on staff and a long history of patronage hiring and nepotism, this office needs a qualified HR department. —Sharon Coolidge, The Enquirer, 27 Oct. 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