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

Prince William and Princess Kate are known to share a passion for sports, reflected in pursuits including the Royal Charity Polo Cup and Kate's patronage of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. —Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 12 July 2024

Its opening on Thursday was marked with great fanfare and included the presentation of a BYD Dolphin, a compact hatchback, to a charitable foundation under the patronage of the Thai royal family. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune Asia, 4 July 2024

The Nations Award is organized under the patronage of Italy’s Senate of the Republic and the Sicily Regio and directed by Michel Curatolo with the collaboration of the artist consultant Marco Fallanca. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 3 July 2024

That Anderson arranged for the Loewe Foundation to sponsor the exhibition is a patronage of true fandom. —Sarah Mower, Vogue, 1 July 2024

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