proprietor
noun
pro·pri·e·tor
prə-ˈprī-ə-tər 
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
According to the outlet, documents filed on May 14 list both Prince William, 43, and Princess Kate, 44, as the proprietors of the lease on Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park.
—
Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026
Le Club 55’s enduring clout as a Saint-Tropez icon was highlighted by the profound sense of loss in this part of the world in October last year when Patrice de Colmont, proprietor for half a century, passed away.
—Nick Scott, Robb Report, 17 May 2026
This festival will feature soul food dishes from more than 100 small business vendors and food service proprietors, as well as live entertainment and activities.
—Finch Walker, USA Today, 15 May 2026
While each proprietor adds their own spin, the proceedings follow a general format.
—Colin Wrenn, Denver Post, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for proprietor
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Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026
Le Club 55’s enduring clout as a Saint-Tropez icon was highlighted by the profound sense of loss in this part of the world in October last year when Patrice de Colmont, proprietor for half a century, passed away.
—Nick Scott, Robb Report, 17 May 2026
This festival will feature soul food dishes from more than 100 small business vendors and food service proprietors, as well as live entertainment and activities.
—Finch Walker, USA Today, 15 May 2026
While each proprietor adds their own spin, the proceedings follow a general format.
—Colin Wrenn, Denver Post, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for proprietor
Cite this Entry
“Proprietor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proprietor. Accessed 27 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
proprietor
noun
pro·pri·e·tor
prə-ˈprī-ə-tər
: 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
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