sponsor

verb

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

transitive verb

: to be or stand sponsor for

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 on the Web

In 1969, Allen sponsored legislation authorizing school districts and colleges to create early-childhood-development demonstration projects. —Arkansas Online, 6 June 2026

In August 1953, after sponsoring internal destabilization campaigns, the CIA and MI6 recruited a group of army officers to bring down Mossadegh. —Andrew Arsan, The New York Review of Books, 6 June 2026

Madonna surprises fans with a concert sponsored by Grindr in New York City's Times Square on June 4. —People Staff, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026

Nonprofit business loan provider SomerCor sponsored the event and at a booth offered assistance to those hoping to start businesses through its Down Payment Assistance Program, made possible thanks to a grant the company received from Cook County in December. —Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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