proprietor

noun

pro·​pri·​e·​tor prə-ˈprī-ə-tər How to pronounce proprietor (audio)
Synonyms of proprietor
1
: one granted ownership of a colony (such as one of the original American colonies) and full prerogatives of establishing a government and distributing land
2
a
: a person who has the legal right or exclusive title to something : owner
b
: one having an interest (such as control or present use) less than absolute and exclusive right

Synonyms of proprietor

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Examples of proprietor in a Sentence

She is the proprietor of the store. the proprietor of a used-car dealership
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Most sole proprietors use the cash method of accounting, which means income is recognized when payment is received and expenses are recognized when they are paid. — Nancy Ashburn, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 June 2026 Hannah’s husband, John Ashley, was a wealthy landowner, a merchant and a proprietor of a general store, sawmill, livestock and more. — New York Times, 22 June 2026 In 2024, the state ranked 42nd in the nation based on wages and other earnings like proprietors' income, dividends and government benefits. — Chloe Bennett-Steele, StateImpact, 25 June 2026 Right nearby is the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, which operated pre-Revolutionary War, before its proprietor took off to join the cause. — Heather Bien, Southern Living, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for proprietor

Word History

Etymology

alteration of proprietary entry 2, by substitution of -or entry 1 for -ary entry 1

First Known Use

1537, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of proprietor was in 1537

Phrases Containing proprietor

Rhymes for proprietor

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Browse Nearby Words

proprietary stamp
proprietor
proprietorial
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Cite this Entry

“Proprietor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proprietor. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

proprietor

noun
pro·​pri·​etor
p(r)ə-ˈprī-ət-ər
1
: a person to whom ownership of a colony is granted
2
: a person who is owner
the proprietor of the store
proprietorship
-ˌship
noun

Legal Definition

proprietor

noun
pro·​pri·​e·​tor prə-ˈprī-ə-tər How to pronounce proprietor (audio)
: one who has legal right or exclusive title to something : owner
also : one (as a lessee) having an interest (as control or present use) less than absolute or exclusive right

More from Merriam-Webster on proprietor

Nglish: Translation of proprietor for Spanish Speakers

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