Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

Maecenas

American  
[mee-see-nuhs, mahy-] / miˈsi nəs, maɪ- /

noun

  1. Gaius Cilnius c70–8 b.c., Roman statesman: friend and patron of Horace and Vergil.

  2. a generous patron or supporter, especially of art, music, or literature.


Maecenas British  
/ miːˈsiːnæs /

noun

  1. Gaius (ˈɡaɪəs). ?70–8 bc , Roman statesman; adviser to Augustus and patron of Horace and Virgil

  2. a wealthy patron of the arts

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Once the pleasure ground of wealthy Maecenas, it captivated the likes of Augustus, Horace and Virgil.

From Washington Post Jul. 11, 2019

Nero, who at the time was staying in Antium, did not return to the capital until the fire was nearing the house by which he had connected the Palatine with the Gardens of Maecenas.

From Textbooks Jan. 1, 2019

Virgil’s genius was quickly recognized and his later career, as well as that of his friend Horace, was partly fostered by the proverbially rich Maecenas, an ardent patron of the arts.

From Washington Post Sep. 12, 2017

The wealthy Maecenas of his Impressionist fellow artists was a true master in his own right.

From New York Times Nov. 4, 2011

Begins the Georgics at the suggestion of Maecenas.

From Helps to Latin Translation at Sight by Luce, Edmund

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Join 12,000,000 vocabulary learners

Start learning new words today on VocabTrainer.
You'll remember them forever.

Start training