# patronage

/ˈpætɹənɪdʒ/ (US) · /pˈætɹənɪdʒ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/patronage
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. support for the arts

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the support, especially financial, that a wealthy person or group gives to an artist, musician, or charity.

For teachers: the financial support or social influence provided by a patron to an individual, organisation, or cause, historically central to the arts.

- The museum was built thanks to the generous patronage of a local family.
- Without the continued patronage of the royal family, many of the era's most significant composers would have lacked the resources to complete their masterpieces.

### 2. business from customers

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the support you give to a shop, hotel, or restaurant by being a regular customer there.

For teachers: the support or custom provided by a regular client base; the collective body of customers (clientele).

- The restaurant thanked its loyal guests for their patronage over the last ten years.
- The boutique hotel struggled to maintain its high level of patronage after a larger international chain opened a competing property nearby.

### 3. political favours

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

the power to give jobs or special favours to people in return for their political support.

For teachers: the power to control appointments to office or the right to privileges, often used to reward political allies.

- The governor was accused of using political patronage to help his friends get jobs.
- The reform aimed to dismantle the long-standing system of patronage that allowed senior officials to appoint unqualified relatives to administrative positions.

### 4. condescending attitude

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal

a way of speaking or behaving that shows you think you are better or smarter than others.

For teachers: a communication or demeanour that indicates a lack of respect through condescension or a superior attitude.

- She was offended by the tone of patronage in his voice when he explained the rules.
- The expert's patronage was evident in the way he dismissed the junior researcher's findings without reviewing the raw data.

## Examples

- The local arts festival depends on the patronage of wealthy donors.
- The young artist flourished under the patronage of a local gallery owner who provided both studio space and monthly stipends.
- In the eighteenth century, literary success often relied more on the patronage of the aristocracy than on the actual volume of book sales to the general public.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.