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

Example Sentences

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

The truth is that there has never been a viable business model for a literary magazine, as they’re often required to make do through a combination of philanthropy, patronage and sacrifice by those who produce the issues. —John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2023

William Wan reported from Beijing in 2012 that many expected Hu to exert influence over Xi through patronage and networks. —Adam Taylor, Washington Post, 25 Oct. 2022

Films like these need theatrical patronage and patience. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Oct. 2022

Rahm Emanuel mastered a long tradition of letting loyal aldermen use committee budgets for patronage and perks. —Mick Dumke, ProPublica, 21 Sep. 2022

Mexico had been a single-party state and had controlled local officials through patronage and corruption. —Dallas News, 22 Aug. 2022

In comparison, some of today’s status-conscious billionaires seem less concerned with connoisseurship or patronage. —Horacio Silva, Town & Country, 18 Aug. 2022

Steven Litt reports that Hassall believes the Playhouse Square Foundation’s 11 stages, which attracted more than 1 million theatergoers a year before the coronavirus pandemic, are underused and have plenty of room to expand patronage and activity. —Cliff Pinckard, cleveland, 17 Aug. 2022

During the 20th century, Mexico’s ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party, or PRI, established a system of patronage and corruption that kept its members in power and other parties in the minority. —Morgan Wack, The Conversation, 16 Aug. 2022

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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