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 of patronage

• 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

State and local leaders affected by disasters might supplicate themselves to the president in order to receive the patronage of disaster aid. —Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 10 Nov. 2025

Gaming executives much prefer the latter category of client (comping them suites and steak house dinners to encourage their patronage) because, with enough time at a table, the house’s statistical edge wins out. —Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2025

By February 2021, the couple officially surrendered their royal patronages and military appointments following a review of their departure agreement. —Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025

In 2022, with the support of Charles and William, Queen Elizabeth removed her son’s HRH styling, military titles, and patronages. —Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 28 Oct. 2025

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