1
a
: master
b
: an Italian innkeeper
2
: a person who secures employment especially for Italian immigrants

Examples of padrone in a Sentence

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.
Instead, much of this awkward English-language period piece focuses on peasants’ struggle to overthrow padrone control just after the First World War. Dennis Harvey, Variety, 2 June 2023

Word History

Etymology

Italian, protector, owner, from Latin patronus patron

First Known Use

1670, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of padrone was in 1670

Dictionary Entries Near padrone

Cite this Entry

“Padrone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/padrone. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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