English · Word Candidate

proprietary

/pɹəˈpɹaɪ.ə.tə.ɹi/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: proprietaries

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Of or relating to property or ownership.

Adjective

Examples

proprietary rights

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Owning something; having ownership.

Adjective

Examples

the proprietary class

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

A proprietor or owner.

Noun

Examples

Wherefore what issue soever shall result from my mind , by his means most happily married to a retired life , must , of due , redound to his honour , as the sole proprietary of my pains during my present condition

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

A body of proprietors, taken collectively.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “proprietary” mean?

Of or relating to property or ownership.

Is “proprietary” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.