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

Prince William has been the patron of the Welsh Rugby Union since 2016, while Princess Kate's patronage of the English Rugby Football Union is a more recent role. —Helen Murphy, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026

Informal patronage networks are also instrumental. —Isaac Stanley-Becker, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2026

The budget line gives council members wide discretion to cover official duties, but in the past has also raised questions about political patronage and nepotism on the public dime. —Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026

Though Guelleh has presided over economic growth during his time as president, economic benefits have not fully trickled down, and much of the population remains mired in poverty; this economic inequality is due in part to corruption and patronage. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Apr. 2026

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