# proprietor

/pɹəˈpɹaɪətɝ/ (US) · /pɹəpɹˈaɪətɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/proprietor
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

the owner of a business, such as a shop, hotel, or restaurant. You use this word when you want to sound more formal than just saying 'owner'.

For teachers: the legal owner of a business establishment or property. Often used in legal or commercial contexts to specify the person with the right of possession.

## Examples

- The proprietor of the small bookstore greeted us at the door.
- After the original proprietor retired, his daughter took over the management of the family hotel.
- The local newspaper interviewed the proprietor of the historic inn to discuss the challenges of maintaining a heritage building in the modern economy.

## Usage notes

- More formal than 'owner'; frequently used in legal documents and business signage.

---

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.