pa·tron·age | \ ˈpa-trə-nij 
, ˈpā- \
, ˈpā- \Definition of patronage
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
5a : 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
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Synonyms for patronage
Synonyms
- aegis
- (also 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
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Recent Examples on the Web The association distributed cash patronage to its member-borrowers of $27 million in 2020.
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Times Staff, baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll, "Business briefs: Taneytown bank promotion; addition to Coldwell Banker office; ag lender posts second quarter results," 26 Sep. 2020 Montrose eventually tells his son that the vault is likely in the Boston museum that was under Titus’ patronage in the 1800s.
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Ariana Romero, refinery29.com, "Lovecraft Country Episode 4 Recap: What The Hell Is Montrose Doing?," 8 Sep. 2020 Funding and patronage of theater, dance and music is always fragile in flush times, let alone during a pandemic.
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Washington Post, "Why do these ballet dancers dance when there’s no audience?," 7 Sep. 2020 Naked Wines markets itself as part wine club, part patronage.
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Meredith Gallo, chicagotribune.com, "Is a Naked Wines subscription worth it for wine drinkers?," 5 Sep. 2020 Question: How do the models of funding and patronage differ for white and Black arts organizations in Dallas?
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Tom Huang, Dallas News, "Looking for Justice: ‘The News’ talked with local leaders in the arts, media and community about solving America’s racial inequities," 11 Aug. 2020 Marsh was the third in a line of Stanley’s propelled to arts patronage by their oil money.
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Daisy Alioto, Longreads, "House of the Century," 10 Aug. 2020 The sectarian power-sharing system allotted top posts according to sect rather than qualifications, which in turn allowed politicians to survive by engaging in cronyism and patronage for their communities.
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Zeina Karam, USA TODAY, "Even before explosion, Lebanon teetered toward ruin," 5 Aug. 2020 The sectarian power-sharing system allotted top posts according to sect rather than qualifications, which in turn allowed politicians to survive by engaging in cronyism and patronage for their communities.
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Zeina Karam, Star Tribune, "Analysis: Often on brink, Lebanon headed toward collapse," 3 Aug. 2020
See MoreThese example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'patronage.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for patronage
patronage
noun English Language Learners Definition of patronage
: money and support that is given to an artist, organization, etc.
chiefly US, somewhat formal : support that is given to a business, library, etc., by buying its goods or using its services
often disapproving : the power to give jobs or provide other help to people as a reward for their support
See the full definition for patronage in the English Language Learners Dictionary
patronage
nounpa·tron·age | \ ˈpa-trə-nij , ˈpā-trə- \
, ˈpā-trə- \Kids Definition of patronage
1 : the help or business given by a supporter
2 : a group of customers (as of a shop or theater)
3 : the control by officials of giving out jobs, contracts, and favors
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Time Traveler for patronage
The first known use of patronage was in the 14th century
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