proprietor

noun

pro·​pri·​e·​tor prə-ˈprī-ə-tər How to pronounce proprietor (audio)
1
: one granted ownership of a colony (such as one of the original American colonies) and full prerogatives of establishing a government and distributing land
2
a
: a person who has the legal right or exclusive title to something : owner
b
: one having an interest (such as control or present use) less than absolute and exclusive right

Examples of proprietor in a Sentence

She is the proprietor of the store. the proprietor of a used-car dealership
Recent Examples on the Web Abe Schoener, proprietor and winemaker of Los Angeles River Wine Co., would benefit from this altruism, receiving his first industry internship from Winiarski in 1999. David Rosoff, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2024 Image Theories abound as to the enduring appeal of British editors to American proprietors. Michael M. Grynbaum, New York Times, 8 June 2024 Unluckily for Heraldo, Dayana isn’t Destino’s sole proprietor. Guy Lodge, Variety, 22 May 2024 Its chef and proprietor is Lorin District native Rose Soffa Clarke. John Metcalfe, The Mercury News, 28 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for proprietor 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'proprietor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

alteration of proprietary entry 1

First Known Use

1537, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of proprietor was in 1537

Dictionary Entries Near proprietor

Cite this Entry

“Proprietor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proprietor. Accessed 16 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

proprietor

noun
pro·​pri·​etor
p(r)ə-ˈprī-ət-ər
1
: a person to whom ownership of a colony is granted
2
: a person who is owner
the proprietor of the store
proprietorship
-ˌship
noun

Legal Definition

proprietor

noun
pro·​pri·​e·​tor prə-ˈprī-ə-tər How to pronounce proprietor (audio)
: one who has legal right or exclusive title to something : owner
also : one (as a lessee) having an interest (as control or present use) less than absolute or exclusive right

More from Merriam-Webster on proprietor

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