proprietor

noun

pro·​pri·​e·​tor prə-ˈprī-ə-tər 

1

: one granted ownership of a colony (such as one of the original American colonies) and full prerogatives of establishing a government and distributing land

2

a

: a person who has the legal right or exclusive title to something : owner

b

: one having an interest (such as control or present use) less than absolute and exclusive right

Synonyms

• holder
• owner
• possessor

Examples of proprietor in a Sentence

She is the proprietor of the store.

the proprietor of a used-car dealership

Recent Examples on the Web

The proprietor of a San Rafael lending business is seeking bankruptcy protection, leaving local investors worried about major losses. —Richard Halstead, Mercury News, 8 May 2025

Liquor stores and carry-outs thrive here — the proprietors cocooned in plexiglass bulwarks. —Adam Schwartz, Baltimore Sun, 26 Mar. 2025

There’s grizzled guys like the proprietor of Mines and Memories, a storefront dedicated to preserving the history of the town’s former economic engine, which stuffed with everything from B&W photos to hardhats donated by families that have lived in Creede for generations. —Lauren Wissot, IndieWire, 10 Mar. 2025

This is not someone who has regular contact with people, except perhaps the proprietors of the businesses. —Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 27 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

alteration of proprietary entry 1

First Known Use

1537, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing proprietor

• co-proprietor

Rhymes for proprietor

• quieter

Kids Definition

proprietor

noun

pro·​pri·​etor

p(r)ə-ˈprī-ət-ər

1

: a person to whom ownership of a colony is granted

2

: a person who is owner

the proprietor of the store

proprietorship

-ˌship

noun

Legal Definition

proprietor

noun

pro·​pri·​e·​tor prə-ˈprī-ə-tər 

: one who has legal right or exclusive title to something : owner

also : one (as a lessee) having an interest (as control or present use) less than absolute or exclusive right