Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

sponsorship

American  
[spon-ser-ship] / ˈspɒn sər ʃɪp /

noun

  1. the position or function of a person or group who vouches for, supports, advises, or helps fund another person or an organization or project.

    The money from your sponsorship will go towards paying the child's school fees and ensuring they get three meals a day.

  2. an arrangement under which a company helps fund a radio or television program, a convention or other event, or a charitable organization in return for an opportunity to advertise.

    For health-based nonprofits, securing a sponsorship from a pharmaceutical company can be a great asset, because of the money and other support it provides.

  3. Christianity. the position or function of a person who promises to mentor a youth or new convert preparing for confirmation or initiation, or who answers for an infant at baptism.

    A simple “I’m praying for you” text message to the candidate can be a powerful reminder that you take your sponsorship seriously.

Etymology

Origin of sponsorship

sponsor ( def. ) + -ship ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Sprite brand has reclaimed a key battleground in the Soda Wars: sponsorship of the National Basketball Association.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

Sprite marketing has continued to riff off basketball during its time away from league sponsorship.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

Since signing Japanese two-way star Shohei Ohtani, the team has partnered with several different Japanese companies, earning $70 million in sponsorship revenue in 2024 alone, according to Forbes.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 16, 2026

This is propelling revenues thanks to improved hospitality, sponsorship and increased ticket sales -- including for premium seating -- according to a recent report from European football governing body UEFA.

From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026

There wasn't time to write back and forth for legal sponsorship from Ruth.

From "What the Night Sings" by Vesper Stamper

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.