sponsor

noun spon·sor \ ˈspän(t)-sər \

Updated on: 12 May 2018

Definition of sponsor

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

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sponsorial

play \spän-ˈsȯr-ē-əl\ adjective

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sponsorship

play \ˈspän(t)-sər-ˌship\ noun

See sponsor defined for English-language learners

See sponsor defined for kids

Examples of sponsor in a Sentence

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.

Recent Examples of sponsor from the Web

But unless sponsors and donors step up soon, this year's Jazz Under the Stars season will be canceled.

— mary jane brewer, cleveland.com, "Medina's Jazz Under the Stars summer concert series in jeopardy," 7 May 2018
The New York Times also reported last week that five Washington cheerleaders charged the team with having them pose topless for a photo session at which male sponsors and luxury seat ticket holders were present.

— peter king, SI.com, "On Draft Fallout, Matt Ryan and MMQB Turning the Page," 6 May 2018
Taking the start abroad is viewed as an ideal opportunity to gain exposure and tap new sponsors and broadcasters who haven’t been involved with the race before.

— joshua robinson, WSJ, "Italy’s Most Famous Bike Race Now Starts in Israel," 3 May 2018
National exhibitors, sponsors and vendors, packet pick-up, volunteer sign-up and more.

— luann gibbs, Cincinnati.com, "Fun and free things to do this weekend in Cincinnati," 3 May 2018
In addition to lining up authors and illustrators, Emery led the effort to recruit sponsors and volunteers.

— dan kelly, kansascity, "LitUp: A book festival for teens created by a teen | The Kansas City Star," 3 May 2018
An all-male group of sponsors and FedExField suite holders were allowed access to the shoot.

— sydney scott, Essence.com, "The Quick Read: Men Arrested At Starbucks Settle For $1 Each And $200K Young Entrepreneur Program," 3 May 2018
According to the women, several Redskins sponsors and FedExField suite holders (all male) had been invited to watch the photo shoot at adults-only Occidental Grand Papagayo resort on Culebra Bay.

— madeleine aggeler, The Cut, "NFL Cheerleaders Say They Were Required to Pose Topless, Serve As Escorts," 2 May 2018
For information, go to www.fan-id.ru VISA is an event sponsor and the preferred method for purchasing official tickets.

— michelle kaufman, miamiherald, "The U.S. might be out of the World Cup, but that doesn't matter to fans. This is why | Miami Herald," 30 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sponsor.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of sponsor

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1651

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

sponsor Synonyms

Synonyms

backer, guarantor, patron, surety;

Related Words

chaperone (or chaperon);

advocate, champion, supporter;

angel, benefactor, underwriter;

coach, mentor, teacher;

cosponsor;

Other Broadcasting Terms

continuity, dissolve, fade, feed, remote, residual, spike, wipe

sponsor

verb

Definition of sponsor

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

transitive verb

: to be or stand sponsor for

See sponsor defined for English-language learners

Examples of sponsor in a Sentence

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 of sponsor from the Web

This year's event was essentially sponsored and endorsed by the leaders of the Catholic church.

— jessica andrews, Teen Vogue, "The Met Gala 2018 Theme Isn't Cultural Appropriation," 9 May 2018
The money will go toward sponsoring a woman entering the program who is restricted from working her first 30 days at IHS.

— julie gallant, Ramona Sentinel, "Lt. Hartman to Rotarians: Deputies fight crime proactively," 4 May 2018
El Comité, a social-justice organization, is sponsoring a rally at Judson Park starting at 2:30 p.m., followed by a march down South Jackson Street to the federal courthouse in downtown Seattle an hour later.

— mike carter, The Seattle Times, "After May Day march in Seattle, will protesters indulge in mayhem or ‘peace joints’?," 30 Apr. 2018
Bank of America sponsored the summit, which was free to all attendees.

— leena kim, Town & Country, "Inside Tory Burch's Embrace Ambition Summit," 26 Apr. 2018
His company also sponsored local events with the hope of attracting more eyeballs.

— peter dawson, star-telegram, "Fitting suits for some of the top prospects in the NFL Draft is tailor-made for Carlton Dixon | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 25 Apr. 2018
The titleholders are each eligible to receive a $1,000 scholarship at the end of their reigns, sponsored by the Rancho Bernardo Business Association, Rotary Club of Rancho Bernardo and Kerry K. Kirby.

— elizabeth marie himchak, Rancho Bernardo, "New Miss Rancho Bernardo, Miss Teen RB crowned," 25 Apr. 2018
The Glenelg High School Basketball Team will sponsor a Car and Motorcycle Show at the school on Sunday, May 13, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Glenelg High School.

— tracy trobridge, Howard County Times, "Jazz music highlights spring events [Glenwood/Glenelg/Dayton]," 19 Apr. 2018
The Allen County Republican Party will sponsor the next debate in the race on April 23 in Fort Wayne.

— shari rudavsky, Indianapolis Star, "Todd Rokita reverses decision, says yes to fourth Senate debate," 17 Apr. 2018

First Known Use of sponsor

1869

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

SPONSOR Defined for English Language Learners

sponsor

noun

Definition of sponsor for English Language Learners

: a person or organization that pays the cost of an activity or event (such as a radio or television program, sports event, concert, etc.) in return for the right to advertise during the activity or event
: a person or organization that gives someone money for participating in a charity event (such as a walk or race)
: an organization that gives money to an athlete for training, clothes, equipment, etc., in return for the right to use the athlete for advertising

sponsor

verb

Definition of sponsor for English Language Learners

: to be a sponsor for (something or someone)

SPONSOR Defined for Kids

sponsor

noun spon·sor \ ˈspän-sər \

Definition of sponsor for Students

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

2 : a person who represents someone being baptized and takes responsibility for his or her spiritual development : godparent

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

4 : a person who gives money to someone participating in an event for charity

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

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sponsorship

\-ˌship\ noun

sponsor

verb

Definition of sponsor for Students

Law Dictionary

sponsor

noun spon·sor

legal Definition of sponsor

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)

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sponsor

verb

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sponsorship

noun

Learn More about sponsor

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for sponsor Spanish Central: Translation of sponsor Nglish: Translation of sponsor for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of sponsor for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sponsor

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sponsor

Definition of sponsor

sponsorial

sponsorship

Examples of sponsor in a Sentence

Recent Examples of sponsor from the Web

Origin and Etymology of sponsor

sponsor Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

Other Broadcasting Terms

sponsor

Definition of sponsor

Examples of sponsor in a Sentence

Recent Examples of sponsor from the Web

First Known Use of sponsor

SPONSOR Defined for English Language Learners

sponsor

Definition of sponsor for English Language Learners

sponsor

Definition of sponsor for English Language Learners

SPONSOR Defined for Kids

sponsor

Definition of sponsor for Students

sponsorship

sponsor

Definition of sponsor for Students

Law Dictionary

sponsor

legal Definition of sponsor

sponsor

sponsorship

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