sponsor

1 of 2

noun

spon·​sor ˈspän(t)-sər How to pronounce sponsor (audio)
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 adjective
sponsorship noun

sponsor

2 of 2

verb

sponsored; sponsoring ˈspän(t)s-(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce sponsor (audio)

transitive verb

: to be or stand sponsor for

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
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.
Noun
Launched in 2011 with support from founding sponsor Huggies, the National Diaper Bank Network provides essential resources to children and families in need through its network of over 240-member diaper banks across the United States. Erin Lassner, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2025 Canon Europe joins as main sponsor, establishing the Canon Lounge industry hub at One Ninetyfour Piccadilly. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 May 2025
Verb
Oscar Mayer has advertised in sports programming in the past, even going so far as to sponsor the Super Bowl halftime show in 1996 and 1997. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 20 May 2025 The sisters were among those who stopped at some of the 19 vendors at 15 locations during the event sponsored by the Ramona Chamber of Commerce. Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for sponsor

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of sponsor was in 1651

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sponsor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sponsor. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

sponsor

1 of 2 noun
spon·​sor ˈspän(t)-sər How to pronounce sponsor (audio)
1
: a person who takes the responsibility for some other person or thing
2
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 noun

sponsor

2 of 2 verb
sponsored; sponsoring ˈspän(t)s-(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce sponsor (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on sponsor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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