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
Your patronage and your kind words are much appreciated.
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 19 Dec. 2024
And despite the fact that the business model runs on the patronage of the elderly.
—Bridget Read, Curbed, 18 Dec. 2024
Read More: What to Know About Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the Leader of Syria's Insurgency
Assad elevated people from his own minority religious group — the Alawite community — to positions of power in the military and intelligence operations and cultivated an intricate web of patronage.
—Sefa Secen / Made By History, TIME, 17 Dec. 2024
In 2022, the royal family removed his military links and royal patronages.
—Reuters, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for patronage 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Dalton Ross, EW.com, 19 Dec. 2024
And despite the fact that the business model runs on the patronage of the elderly.
—Bridget Read, Curbed, 18 Dec. 2024
Read More: What to Know About Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the Leader of Syria's Insurgency
Assad elevated people from his own minority religious group — the Alawite community — to positions of power in the military and intelligence operations and cultivated an intricate web of patronage.
—Sefa Secen / Made By History, TIME, 17 Dec. 2024
In 2022, the royal family removed his military links and royal patronages.
—Reuters, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for patronage
Dictionary Entries Near patronage
Cite this Entry
“Patronage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patronage. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share