patronage
noun
pa·tron·age
ˈpa-trə-nij 
ˈpā-
ˈpā-
1
: advowson
2
: the support or influence of a patron
the patronage of science by universities
3
: kindness done with an air of superiority
The prince deigned to bestow his patronage on the composer.
4
: business or activity provided by patrons
the new branch library is expected to have a heavy patronage
5
a
: the power to make appointments to government jobs especially for political advantage
oust his enemies from office and use the patronage to support his policies—
H. K. Beale
H. K. Beale
b
: the distribution of jobs on the basis of patronage
The governor filled the vacated positions through patronage.
c
: jobs distributed by patronage
the government's vast network of patronage
Examples of patronage in a Sentence
The college relied on the patronage of its wealthy graduates to expand its funds.
They thanked her for her patronage of the new hospital.
The city should do more to encourage patronage of local businesses.
a system of political patronage
Recent Examples on the Web
Deprived of the power of patronage, the political machines that had ruled the nation for over a century gradually withered away.
—TIME, 14 May 2024
The brick-and-mortar site has been operating for a little over a month, and Bahati has been appreciative of the patronage that Crystal Nugs has received.
—Marcus D. Smith, Sacramento Bee, 3 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for patronage 
TIME, 14 May 2024
The brick-and-mortar site has been operating for a little over a month, and Bahati has been appreciative of the patronage that Crystal Nugs has received.
—Marcus D. Smith, Sacramento Bee, 3 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for patronage
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'patronage.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near patronage
Cite this Entry
“Patronage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patronage. Accessed 18 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
patronage
noun
pa·tron·age
ˈpa-trə-nij
ˈpā-
ˈpā-
1
: the support or influence of a patron
2
: business or activity provided by patrons
3
: the power to give out government jobs, contracts, or favors
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