patronage

[ pey-truh-nij, pa‐ ]

/ ˈpeɪ trə nɪdʒ, ˈpæ‐ /

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See synonyms for patronage on Thesaurus.com

noun

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

patrons collectively; clientele.

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

offices, jobs, or other favors so controlled.

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

a condescending manner or attitude in granting favors, in dealing with people, etc.; condescension: an air of patronage toward his business subordinates.

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

the right of presentation to an ecclesiastical benefice; advowson.

OTHER WORDS FOR patronage

1 custom, commerce, trade.

See synonyms for patronage on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of patronage

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

OTHER WORDS FROM patronage

pro·pa·tron·age, adjective

Words nearby patronage

patrology, patrol torpedo boat, patrol wagon, patrolwoman, patron, patronage, patroness, patronize, patronizing, patronne, patron saint

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use patronage in a sentence

Rather, the substance of national partisan conflict largely had to do with competing tariff policy visions and how best to exploit political spoils and patronage.
How Much Longer Can This Era Of Political Gridlock Last?|Lee Drutman (drutman@newamerica.org)|March 4, 2021|FiveThirtyEight
Meghan, a former TV actress, will also surrender her patronage of the National Theatre, bestowed to her by the queen, who herself had held the honor for 45 years.
Prince Harry and Meghan lose their patronages, won’t return as ‘working royals’|William Booth, Karla Adam|February 19, 2021|Washington Post
The palace spun the yanking of their patronages as something that must be done in accord with tradition, but stressed that there are no hard feelings.
Prince Harry and Meghan lose their patronages, won’t return as ‘working royals’|William Booth, Karla Adam|February 19, 2021|Washington Post
While the spots in those guides still very much deserve patronage, it’s worth looking at the Honolulu restaurants that are surviving and even thriving during this trying year.
38 Exciting Ways to Eat in Honolulu Right Now|Eater Staff|December 2, 2020|Eater

Back at Glenaan Station in New Zealand, Allbirds’ place in the market relative to more well known brands takes a back seat to the fact that its patronage allows the shepherd who supplies its wool to make impressive capital improvements to his farm.
Allbirds is stepping up for the planet—by treading lightly on it|sheilamarikar|September 21, 2020|Fortune
Barack Obama has shown America that crony corporatism, patronage politics, and limitless government know no party.
America’s Slumbering Secession Obsession|James Poulos|September 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Kate's patronage of the High Street is undoubtedly partly to blame.
Kate Middleton's History of Flesh-Flashing Wardrobe Malfunctions|Tom Sykes|May 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
This is why Tocqueville puts such a stress on the perils of patronage.
What’s At Stake In The Tocqueville/Piketty Debate|James Poulos|April 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Tocqueville is not most concerned that corporate “dynasties of wealth” will seize control of the government through patronage.
What’s At Stake In The Tocqueville/Piketty Debate|James Poulos|April 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Lacking devoted patronage, there Telugu evolved into a spectacularly hideous argot.
India’s Newest State Telangana Is Bosnia Redux|Kranti Rai|March 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He was a weaver in humble life till his self-acquired attainments attracted patronage.
The Every Day Book of History and Chronology|Joel Munsell
Coldriver did not know there was such a thing as inviting patronage by skillful display.
Scattergood Baines|Clarence Budington Kelland
It is now a city of fifty thousand and dates its rise from the patronage of royalty a century and a half ago.
British Highways And Byways From A Motor Car|Thomas D. Murphy
Mr. Nell, is an excellent man, and deserves the patronage of the public.
The Condition, Elevation, Emigration, and Destiny of the Colored People of the United States|Martin R. Delany
Notwithstanding her popularity and patronage, she died in France in great obscurity and penury.
The Every Day Book of History and Chronology|Joel Munsell

British Dictionary definitions for patronage

patronage

/ (ˈpætrənɪdʒ) /

noun

the support given or custom brought by a patron or patroness
the position of a patron

(in politics)

the practice of making appointments to office, granting contracts, etc
the favours so distributed

a condescending manner
any kindness done in a condescending way

Christianity the right to present a clergyman to a benefice

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

Cultural definitions for patronage

patronage

[ (pay-truh-nij, pat-ruh-nij) ]

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.)

patronage

OTHER WORDS FOR patronage

Origin of patronage

OTHER WORDS FROM patronage

Words nearby patronage

Words related to patronage

How to use patronage in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for patronage

Cultural definitions for patronage