Proprietor

As a Noun

1. The owner of a business, property, or establishment.
2. A person who has legal rights or control over something.
3. (Historical) A person granted ownership of a colony or land by a ruling government.

As Other Form

• Proprietary (Adjective): Relating to ownership or exclusive rights.

Word History

The word proprietor comes from the Latin proprietarius, meaning “owner,” derived from proprietas (property or ownership). It has been used since the 17th century to describe individuals with exclusive rights over land or businesses.

Examples

1. He is the sole proprietor of a small café in town. (Noun – business owner)
2. The proprietor of the bookstore greeted customers warmly. (Noun – shop owner)
3. As a land proprietor, she managed several rental properties. (Noun – property owner)
4. The company’s proprietary software is not available to the public. (Adjective – exclusive ownership)

Synonyms

Owner, landlord, entrepreneur, possessor, titleholder

Related Words

Founder, investor, holder, businessperson

Antonyms

Tenant, employee, lessee, renter