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
The resolution also prohibits outside countries from arming any nonstate group in Lebanon, a clear reference to Iran’s patronage of Hezbollah.
—Steven Simon, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2024
Still, Kato sees potential in the longer term given strong domestic patronage.
—Amala Balakrishner, CNBC, 29 Oct. 2024
Despite her patronages and frequent appearances at royal events, Princess Beatrice is not technically a working royal like her cousin Prince William and his wife, Kate Middleton.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 30 Oct. 2024
But Kennelly viewed himself as a reformer, turning government jobs ripe for patronage into civil service positions.
—Ray Long, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for patronage 
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Steven Simon, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2024
Still, Kato sees potential in the longer term given strong domestic patronage.
—Amala Balakrishner, CNBC, 29 Oct. 2024
Despite her patronages and frequent appearances at royal events, Princess Beatrice is not technically a working royal like her cousin Prince William and his wife, Kate Middleton.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 30 Oct. 2024
But Kennelly viewed himself as a reformer, turning government jobs ripe for patronage into civil service positions.
—Ray Long, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for patronage
Dictionary Entries Near patronage
Cite this Entry
“Patronage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patronage. Accessed 28 Nov. 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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