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 of proprietor

• owner

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

In oral arguments on Thursday, his attorney Jennifer Bonjean argued that the trial court improperly withheld salacious Facebook messages between the victim and Pascal Vicedomini, the proprietor of an Italian film festival. —Gene Maddaus, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026

The second episode of Euphoria’s third season finds Rue basking in the glow of God’s favor and settling into her new life working for the strip-club proprietor Alamo (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje), who tasks her with scooping pig slop and covering up evidence of a dancer’s accidental overdose. —Zoe Papelis, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2026

Just ask Ti Martin, co-proprietor of Commander’s Palace, where 25-cent martinis take center stage. —Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2026

They both accommodate sole proprietors, partnerships, and S corporations. —Kathy Yakal, PC Magazine, 8 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

alteration of proprietary entry 2, by substitution of -or entry 1 for -ary 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