patronage

noun
UK: /ˈpeɪ.trə.nɪdʒ/
US: /ˈpeɪ.trə.nɪdʒ/

  1. The support, encouragement, privilege, or financial aid that an organization or individual bestows to another.

    1. The arts council relies on patronage from local businesses.
    2. Royal patronage helped the artist to flourish and gain international recognition.

  2. The power to control appointments to office or the right to privileges.

    1. Political patronage is often criticized for its potential for corruption.
    2. The governor's extensive patronage allowed him to shape the direction of state policies.

  3. Regular or repeated customers.

    1. The restaurant values the patronage of its loyal customers.
    2. The bookstore's survival depends on the continued patronage of local readers.

Synonyms

backing support favoritism clientele

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "patronage" in English means: The support, encouragement, privilege, or financial aid that an organization or individual bestows to another., The power to control appointments to office or the right to privileges., Regular or repeated customers..

The phonetic transcription of "patronage" is /ˈpeɪ.trə.nɪdʒ/ in British English and /ˈpeɪ.trə.nɪdʒ/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "patronage": backing, support, favoritism, clientele.

Example usage of "patronage": "The arts council relies on patronage from local businesses.". More examples on the page.