sponsor

1 of 2

noun

spon·​sor ˈspän(t)-sər 

1

: one who presents a candidate for baptism or confirmation and undertakes responsibility for the person's religious education or spiritual welfare

2

: one who assumes responsibility for some other person or thing

3

: a person or an organization that pays for or plans and carries out a project or activity

especially : one that pays the cost of a radio or television program usually in return for advertising time during its course

sponsorial

spän-ˈsȯr-ē-əl 

adjective

sponsorship

ˈspän(t)-sər-ˌship 

noun

sponsor

2 of 2

verb

sponsored; sponsoring ˈspän(t)s-(ə-)riŋ 

transitive verb

: to be or stand sponsor for

Synonyms

Noun

• backer
• guarantor
• patron
• surety

Examples of sponsor in a Sentence

Noun

Our company is a sponsor of the race.

I have over 50 sponsors for next week's race.

Her sponsors include a major sneaker company.

He agreed to be my sponsor so that I could join the club.

The senator is a sponsor of the proposed bill.

Verb

The radio station sponsored the concert.

The tournament is sponsored by local businesses.

Will you sponsor me for the charity race?

He sponsored me at my confirmation.

She sponsored the new tax bill.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Since 2019, paid tickets are up 34%, attendance is up 13%, ticket revenue is up 149% and sponsor dollars are up more than 100%, Rabil said. —Jessica Golden, CNBC, 25 June 2025

Among the sponsors that now back the PLL are Lexus, U.S. Bank, Capital One, Gatorade, Whirlpool and Rebel Bourbon, while the WLL boasts a title sponsor in the cosmetics giant Maybelline New York. —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 25 June 2025

Verb

First Presbyterian Church of Mount Dora, 222 W. Sixth Ave., is sponsoring a patriotic concert and ice cream social at 4 p.m. June 29, featuring soloists Kasey Cox, Janelle Woodward and Rick Vale, along with percussionist John Lowe and pianist Randy Frieling. —Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2025

The bill, which is sponsored by Assemblymember Christopher Ward (D-San Diego), cleared the state Assembly last month and is now awaiting approval in the state Senate. —Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Late Latin, from Latin, guarantor, surety, from spondēre to promise — more at spouse

First Known Use

Noun

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1869, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing sponsor

• co-sponsor

Rhymes for sponsor

• cosponsor

Kids Definition

sponsor

1 of 2 noun

spon·​sor ˈspän(t)-sər 

1

: a person who takes the responsibility for some other person or thing

2

: godparent

3

a

: a person or an organization that pays for or plans and carries out a project or activity

b

: a person or an organization that pays the cost of a radio or television program

sponsorship

-ˌship 

noun

sponsor

2 of 2 verb

sponsored; sponsoring ˈspän(t)s-(ə-)riŋ 

: to act as sponsor for

Legal Definition

sponsor

noun

spon·​sor

1

: a legislator who introduces and supports a legislative proposal (as a bill or amendment)

2

: a person who assumes responsibility for some other person (as an immigrant) or thing

3

a

: one that securitizes assets

b

: one that promotes, advocates, or favors a business venture (as investment in a security or limited partnership)

sponsor verb

sponsorship noun