proprietor

[pruh-prahy-i-ter]

noun

1. the owner of a business establishment, a hotel, etc.

2. a person who has the exclusive right or title to something; an owner, as of real property.

3. a group of proprietors; proprietary.

proprietor

/ prəˌpraɪəˈtɔːrɪəl, prəˈpraɪətə /

noun

1. an owner of an unincorporated business enterprise

2. a person enjoying exclusive right of ownership to some property

3. history a governor or body of governors of a proprietary colony

Other Word Forms

• proprietorial adjective
• proprietorially adverb
• proprietorship noun
• nonproprietor noun
• proprietress noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of proprietor¹

First recorded in 1630–40; propriet(ary) + -or ²

Example Sentences

For the first time in a very long time, I am the sole proprietor of my day, responsible only for myself.

From Los Angeles Times

Martino, who runs the eatery’s Facebook page — where a message posted Saturday announced Tana’s death — said that Perencevic was close with the former proprietor and had been with him in Belgrade on Friday.

From Los Angeles Times

Gonzalez said the proprietor of one of the restaurants they visited was crying.

From Los Angeles Times

Amanda Blake, who played saloon proprietor Kitty Russell, appeared in 19 seasons.

From Los Angeles Times

His hotel in Washington, since sold, served as a meeting place for political players and foreign agents of all kinds who spent lavishly to curry favor with the proprietor.

From Salon