auspice

noun

aus·​pice ˈȯ-spəs How to pronounce auspice (audio)
plural auspices ˈȯ-spə-səz How to pronounce auspice (audio)
-ˌsēz
1
auspices plural : kindly patronage and guidance
doing research under the auspices of the local historical society
2
: a prophetic sign
especially : a favorable sign
3
: observation by an augur especially of the flight and feeding of birds to discover omens

Examples of auspice in a Sentence

a program for inner-city youths that is under the auspices of a national corporation interpreted the teacher's smile as an auspice that he would get an A on his presentation
Recent Examples on the Web Armani also reportedly set up a small charitable foundation in 2016 under the auspice of developing it with capital from the company following his passing. Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 15 Nov. 2023 However, there is no context that validates the use of this term in relation to progress without disregarding the brutal reality of what happened in this country’s history under the auspice of Manifest Destiny. Valerie Strauss, Washington Post, 9 Jan. 2018 The funds were raised under the auspice of Tulane's $1.3 billion fundraising campaign. . . . . . . . Wilborn P. Nobles Iii, NOLA.com, 16 Jan. 2018 Scientists have been fascinated by this work because this phenomenon was predicted a century ago under the auspice of Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity. Diana Samuels, NOLA.com, 22 Dec. 2017 These concerns were raised during a panel discussion in an event presented by the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy-Skylake Synagogue alliance with the auspice and collaboration of ATJC. Sergio Carmona, Jewish Journal, 2 June 2017 Angell’s under Bacquet’s auspice introduced a new tapas menu that runs concurrent with the dinner menu. James Patrick Kelly, idahostatesman, 27 Apr. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'auspice.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin auspicium, from auspic-, auspex diviner by birds, from avis bird + specere to look, look at — more at aviary, spy

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of auspice was in 1533

Dictionary Entries Near auspice

Cite this Entry

“Auspice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/auspice. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

auspice

noun
aus·​pice ˈȯ-spəs How to pronounce auspice (audio)
plural auspices -spə-səz How to pronounce auspice (audio)
-ˌsēz
1
: predicting the future especially according to the flight of birds
2
: omen
especially : a favorable sign
3
plural : support and guidance of a sponsor
a concert given under the auspices of the school
Etymology

from Latin auspicium "auspice," derived from avis "bird" and specere "to look at" — related to aviary, expect, spectacle

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