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

Understanding the competition between these two men helps illuminate Trump’s particular style of governing—one defined by patronage and dealmaking. —Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2025

There have also been calls on social media for Canadians to rethink their investments in U.S. companies and their patronage of American firms ranging from McDonald's, Walmart and Microsoft. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Feb. 2025

Madigan’s attorneys had proposed a jury instruction on patronage Wednesday afternoon. —Jim Talamonti | The Center Square Contributor, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 19 Jan. 2025

Through the patronage of Leyla Aliyeva, the Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the International Dialogue for Environmental Action (IDEA) initiative has been operational since 2011. —Saleem H. Ali, Forbes, 5 Dec. 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