proprietor
noun
pro·pri·e·tor
prə-ˈprī-ə-tər 
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
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
From underwriting player acquisitions to financing infrastructural overhauls, capital infusions from proprietors—frequently billionaires or consortiums—provide a strategic cushion during periods of volatility and often catalyze transformational growth.
—
Priya Oberoi, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Why? Theodora Lee, proprietor of Theopolis Vineyards.
—Noel Burgess, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
In 1875 Hutchinson became the sole proprietor of the publication.
—Kay Johnson, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
That was the year when Fred Popenoe, proprietor of the West India Gardens nursery in Altadena, sent an emissary to Mexico with the task of bringing back budwood cuttings for the purpose of grafting them onto avocado seedlings, with the hope that some would become commercially successful varieties.
—Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 1 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for proprietor
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Priya Oberoi, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Why? Theodora Lee, proprietor of Theopolis Vineyards.
—Noel Burgess, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
In 1875 Hutchinson became the sole proprietor of the publication.
—Kay Johnson, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
That was the year when Fred Popenoe, proprietor of the West India Gardens nursery in Altadena, sent an emissary to Mexico with the task of bringing back budwood cuttings for the purpose of grafting them onto avocado seedlings, with the hope that some would become commercially successful varieties.
—Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 1 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for proprietor
Cite this Entry
“Proprietor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proprietor. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
proprietor
noun
pro·pri·e·tor
prə-ˈprī-ə-tər
: 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
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