patronage

American  

[pey-truh-nij, pa‑] / ˈpeɪ trə nɪdʒ, ˈpæ‑ /

noun

1. the financial support or business provided to a store, hotel, or the like, by customers, clients, or paying guests.

   Synonyms:

   trade, commerce, custom

2. patrons collectively; clientele.

3. the control of or power to make appointments to government jobs or the power to grant other political favors.

4. offices, jobs, or other favors so controlled.

5. the distribution of jobs and favors on a political basis, as to those who have supported one's party or political campaign.

6. a condescending manner or attitude in granting favors, in dealing with people, etc.; condescension.

   an air of patronage toward his business subordinates.

7. the position, encouragement, influence, or support of a patron, as toward an artist, institution, etc.

8. the right of presentation to an ecclesiastical benefice; advowson.

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patronage British  

/ ˈpætrənɪdʒ /

noun

1. 1. the support given or custom brought by a patron or patroness

   2. the position of a patron

2. 1. the practice of making appointments to office, granting contracts, etc

   2. the favours so distributed

3. 1. a condescending manner

   2. any kindness done in a condescending way

4. Christianity the right to present a clergyman to a benefice

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patronage Cultural  

1. The power of a government official or leader to make appointments and offer favors. Once in office, a politician can use patronage to build a loyal following. Though practiced at all levels of government, patronage is most often associated with the machine politics of big cities. (See spoils system.)

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Other Word Forms

• propatronage adjective

Etymology

Origin of patronage

1350–1400; Middle English < Middle French; patron, -age

Explanation

If you give a store or business your support (financial or otherwise) as a customer or client, you are giving them your patronage. Great philanthropists are often known for their patronage, or financial support, of the arts. In the days of classical art, composers like Bach or painters like Michelangelo were supported by patrons, whose patronage, or financial support paid the artists' ways. Patronage is still an important part of our world, but you have to be careful: If your senator is accused of political patronage, people are accusing that senator of exchanging jobs or other favors in return for political support. This is not a good thing.

Example Sentences

Some argued that it only stayed afloat because of official patronage, which fell away after Mugabe's ousting.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

What he had run up against was a deep-rooted system of patronage controlled by a single family.

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2026

Dispensing patronage remained a partisan pleasure, recruitment a multipartisan necessity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 5, 2026

Basically what the shah ran inside Iran was a vast patronage system.

From Salon • Jan. 17, 2026

“I have business at the temple tomorrow morning. Perhaps we could discuss a patronage next time...”

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray

Related Words

• aegis
• auspices
• backing
• encouragement
• financing
• sponsorship
• subsidy