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
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
Since that time, no fewer than five of the proprietors have retired or moved on, only some having been replaced by new owners.
—
Tom Strong, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2026
Quarterly payments are due for individuals, sole proprietors, partners and S corporation shareholders who expect to owe at least $1,000 for the current tax year, according to the IRS.
—Kate Dore, Cfp®, Ea, CNBC, 15 Jan. 2026
Flashbacks was home to a collection of local history, a group of loyal regulars and plenty of memories over the years and was also home, literally, to its proprietors, the Conrads, who lived in a space at the back of the building.
—Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 13 Jan. 2026
Through simple voluntary association, small businesses, gig workers, and sole proprietors gained negotiating power comparable to large firms.
—Justin Leventhal, Boston Herald, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for proprietor
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Tom Strong, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2026
Quarterly payments are due for individuals, sole proprietors, partners and S corporation shareholders who expect to owe at least $1,000 for the current tax year, according to the IRS.
—Kate Dore, Cfp®, Ea, CNBC, 15 Jan. 2026
Flashbacks was home to a collection of local history, a group of loyal regulars and plenty of memories over the years and was also home, literally, to its proprietors, the Conrads, who lived in a space at the back of the building.
—Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 13 Jan. 2026
Through simple voluntary association, small businesses, gig workers, and sole proprietors gained negotiating power comparable to large firms.
—Justin Leventhal, Boston Herald, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for proprietor
Cite this Entry
“Proprietor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proprietor. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLegal 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
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