sponsor

1 of 3

noun (1)

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 3

verb

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

transitive verb

: to be or stand sponsor for

sponsorship

3 of 3

noun (2)

spon·​sor·​ship ˈspän(t)sə(r)ˌship 

: the state of being a sponsor : act of sponsoring : official or financial support

Synonyms of sponsor

Noun (1)

• patron
• supporter
• benefactor

Examples of sponsor in a Sentence

Noun (1)

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

As reported by The Detroit News, Rocket Companies declined to extend its title sponsorship past 2026, closing a run of nearly thirteen years as a PGA Tour title sponsor, with the last eight in Detroit. — Tonya M. Evans, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

The company served as the title sponsor of All-Star Village from July 11–14 in Philadelphia, filling roughly 500,000 square feet with interactive exhibits, youth baseball activities, player tributes, food vendors, and a family party-like atmosphere. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 25 July 2026

Verb

France are sponsored by Nike and Zidane has a long-term association with Adidas, so clothing and shoe choices need sensitive management. — Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 21 July 2026

The House bill, called the Bipartisan Social Security Commission Act of 2026, was sponsored by representatives Tom Cole (R-OK) and Tom Suozzi (D-NY). — Howard Gleckman, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

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

First Known Use

Noun (1)

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