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

Dozens of restaurants and bars are offering discounts and happy hour deals to encourage further patronage, including $10 cocktails and bites at Formosa Cafe and $8 cocktails at Connie & Ted’s. —Danielle Dorsey, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2025

He was later stripped of his military titles and his royal patronages. —Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2025

This would reduce patronage and cronyism, which have plagued our city for decades. —Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2025

The federal civil service was staffed by supporters of the president and his political party until the patronage system was reformed in the 1880s to reward positions based on merit and skills. —Jessica Guynn, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2025

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