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

This injection of cash was largely driven by gains in private wages and salaries alongside a boost in farm proprietors’ income, which was influenced by a second round of USDA Supplemental Disaster Relief payments, the BEA said. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 25 June 2026

Most sole proprietors use the cash method of accounting, which means income is recognized when payment is received and expenses are recognized when they are paid. — Nancy Ashburn, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 June 2026

Blackberry Farm has been around for decades, and really began hitting its stride in the 2000s, as then-proprietor Sam Beall (son of the original owners, Sandy and Kris) expanded and refined the structures and seriously upgraded its food and wine lists. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 June 2026

Hannah’s husband, John Ashley, was a wealthy landowner, a merchant and a proprietor of a general store, sawmill, livestock and more. — New York Times, 22 June 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