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

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

Both brands depend on the patronage of affluent consumers. —Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025

Representatives from both Save the Children and Riding for the Disabled — Anne's most longstanding patronages — were in attendance at the forum. —Greta Bjornson, People.com, 6 June 2025

After the allegations, Andrew resigned from his public roles with the royal family in May 2020, and had his honorary military affiliations and royal charitable patronages removed by his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in January 2022. —Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 28 May 2025

Like her grandmother, Queen Mother Sirikit, whose royal patronage focused on the preservation of the country’s silk and traditional handwoven textiles, Nariratana too intends to leverage her position as a royal — and the Sirivannavari brand — to pave the way. —Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 7 May 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