noun
Uncommon
proprietor
pruh-PREYE-uht
Proprietor (noun) means the owner of a business, especially a small or independently run one. Example: “The proprietor of the corner shop has run it for thirty years.”
noun
1
The owner of a business, especially a small or independently run one.
"The proprietor of the corner shop has run it for thirty years."
"She is the sole proprietor of a small bakery."
How to use proprietor
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe owner of a business, often a shop, restaurant, or small company.
Common pairings
sole proprietor
shop proprietor
proprietor of a business
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Word forms
- Plural
- proprietors
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ of the corner shop has run it for thirty years.
Etymology
Likely from proprietary + -or, following the pattern of turning an adjective/noun of ownership into "the person who owns."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for proprietor
See all rhymes for proprietor →Frequently asked questions
What does “proprietor” mean?
The word “proprietor” means the owner of a business, especially a small or independently run one. In plain terms, the owner of a business, often a shop, restaurant, or small company.
How do you pronounce “proprietor”?
“Proprietor” is pronounced pruh-PREYE-uht (/pɹəˈpɹaɪətɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “proprietor” in a sentence?
Here is “proprietor” used in a sentence: “The proprietor of the corner shop has run it for thirty years.”
What part of speech is “proprietor”?
“Proprietor” is a noun.
Is “proprietor” a common word?
“Proprietor” is an uncommon word in modern English.
