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 of sponsor

Noun

• patron
• supporter
• benefactor

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

Infant skin is thinner and more absorbent, making babies more vulnerable to chemicals in disposable diapers, said Kelly Hardy, the senior managing director of health and research at the nonprofit Children Now, among the bill’s sponsors. — Kate Sequeira, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026

Weug described her disappointment in a heartfelt social media post in August and appealed for teams and sponsors to get in touch. — ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026

Verb

Schmitt is sponsoring a bill to strengthen laws governing name, image and likeness compensation for college athletes. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 29 Sep. 2026

Now the church itself hosted dances and houseboat parties and sponsored a youth softball team of which Nell Fisher was the manager. — Tom Drury, Harpers Magazine, 29 Sep. 2026

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