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

Harry also gave up his patronage of the Rugby Football Union and the Rugby Football League, while Meghan surrendered her patronage of the Royal National Theatre, which her grandmother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth II, handed down to her. — Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 27 June 2026

Shortly afterward, Daley named Donovan his head of patronage, with the title of administrative assistant to the mayor. — Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026

In addition to events with the Invictus Games, Harry is also expected to attend events involving patronages like WellChild and Scotty’s Little Soldiers. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 26 June 2026

The Calvinists weren’t exactly keen on iconography, so church patronage was on the wane, too. — Clare Bucknell, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 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