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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 notes

In plain EnglishThe owner of a business, often a shop, restaurant, or small company.

Common pairings
sole proprietor shop proprietor proprietor of a business

Word forms

proprietors plural

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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."

Related words

Rhymes for proprietor

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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.

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