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

This includes being attentive to their needs, resolving issues promptly and showing genuine empathy and appreciation for their patronage. —Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 6 Mar. 2024

The honor helped usher in large crowds of epicureans and brought some relief to the business after a lag in patronage and eventually, Grosz earned enough to purchase the historic home that houses the restaurant. —Detroit Free Press, 5 Mar. 2024

The fallout from the interview led to Andrew stepping back from his public duties and he was eventually stripped of his military titles and patronages by his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. —K.j. Yossman, Variety, 18 Mar. 2024

Term limits for leaders in sports and politics are seen as a key measure to curb power cliques and patronage, and Čeferin has even agreed with this in interviews. —Graham Dunbar, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2024

The office towers contribute mightily to the city’s property tax coffers and have long contributed to work week vibrancy and patronage at restaurants, bars and other businesses. —Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 14 Jan. 2024

Monetization shifts, platform algorithms, advertising challenges, and the ebb and flow of patronage — all these converging factors have led to many closures in the industry. —Todd Spangler, Variety, 6 Mar. 2024

But for all the talent Los Angeles has attracted over the years, and its success in founding other performing arts institutions, the city has struggled to establish lasting dance companies able to attract and maintain audiences and patronage. —Robin Pogrebin, New York Times, 6 Feb. 2024

Having established himself as the life of every party and a source of delicious gossip, Capote ingratiated himself to the group, which rewarded him with their friendship and patronage. —Brian Lowry, CNN, 31 Jan. 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