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; see 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

Patronage systems allocate jobs, public-works contracts, cheap loans and access to foreign cash, hollowing out the entrepreneurial class.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 3, 2026

Patronage jobs — positions granted, often to the friends and family of powerful politicians or in return for money or favors — were officially eliminated.

From Salon • Oct. 27, 2023

Relatives of soldiers have given DNA samples, and experts are now working to identify the remains, said the representative of the Patronage Service of the Azov Regiment, Natalia Bahrii.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 23, 2022

Patronage in the New York City courts has a long history.

From New York Times • Sep. 7, 2019

Still, Patronage remains a remarkable book, replete with sound sense, acute observation and rapid graphic illustrations of character.

From Maria Edgeworth by Zimmern, Helen

Related Words

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