patronage
noun
pa·tron·age
ˈpa-trə-nij 
ˈpā-
ˈpā-
1
: advowson
2
: the support or influence of a patron
the patronage of science by universities
3
: kindness done with an air of superiority
The prince deigned to bestow his patronage on the composer.
4
: business or activity provided by patrons
the new branch library is expected to have a heavy patronage
5
a
: the power to make appointments to government jobs especially for political advantage
oust his enemies from office and use the patronage to support his policies—
H. K. Beale
H. K. Beale
b
: the distribution of jobs on the basis of patronage
The governor filled the vacated positions through patronage.
c
: jobs distributed by patronage
the government's vast network of patronage
Examples of patronage in a Sentence
The college relied on the patronage of its wealthy graduates to expand its funds.
They thanked her for her patronage of the new hospital.
The city should do more to encourage patronage of local businesses.
a system of political patronage
Recent Examples on the Web
It was intended to prevent presidents from handing out patronage jobs and filling the administration with political cronies.
—Eileen Sullivan, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
In January 2022, the palace stripped him of his military affiliations and royal patronages.
—Elizabeth Stanton, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Typically, both Universal and Disney receive patronage from those visiting Orlando, especially from guests who are traveling from out of state or from other countries.
—Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 15 Apr. 2025
Hands down, private markets beat patronage for the common good, so the government should not be able to easily and quickly intervene on behalf of any particular interest.
—Norbert Michel, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for patronage
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Eileen Sullivan, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
In January 2022, the palace stripped him of his military affiliations and royal patronages.
—Elizabeth Stanton, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Typically, both Universal and Disney receive patronage from those visiting Orlando, especially from guests who are traveling from out of state or from other countries.
—Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 15 Apr. 2025
Hands down, private markets beat patronage for the common good, so the government should not be able to easily and quickly intervene on behalf of any particular interest.
—Norbert Michel, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for patronage
Cite this Entry
“Patronage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patronage. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
patronage
noun
pa·tron·age
ˈpa-trə-nij
ˈpā-
ˈpā-
1
: the support or influence of a patron
2
: business or activity provided by patrons
3
: the power to give out government jobs, contracts, or favors
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