sponsor

[spon-ser]

noun

1. a person who vouches or is responsible for a person or thing.

   Synonyms: guarantor, backer, patron

2. a person, firm, organization, etc., that finances and buys the time to broadcast a radio or television program so as to advertise a product, a political party, etc.

   Synonyms: advertiser

3. a person who makes a pledge or promise on behalf of another.

4. Christianity.,  a person who promises to mentor a youth or new convert preparing for confirmation or initiation, or who answers for an infant at baptism.

verb (used with object)

1. to act as sponsor for; promise, vouch, or answer for.

   Synonyms: underwrite, back, finance, guarantee

sponsor

/ ˈspɒnsə, spɒnˈsɔːrɪəl /

noun

1. 1. a commercial organization that pays all or part of the cost of putting on a concert, sporting event, etc

   2. a person who donates money to a charity when the person requesting the donation has performed a specified activity as part of an organized fund-raising effort

2. a person or business firm that pays the costs of a radio or television programme in return for advertising time

3. a legislator who presents and supports a bill, motion, etc

4. Also called: godparent. 

   1. an authorized witness who makes the required promises on behalf of a person to be baptized and thereafter assumes responsibility for his Christian upbringing

   2. a person who presents a candidate for confirmation

5. a person who undertakes responsibility for the actions, statements, obligations, etc, of another, as during a period of apprenticeship; guarantor

verb

1. (tr) to act as a sponsor for

Other Word Forms

• sponsorial adjective
• sponsorship noun
• unsponsored adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sponsor¹

First recorded in 1645–55; from Latin spōnsor “guarantor,” equivalent to spond(ēre) “to pledge” + -tor -tor, with dt becoming s

Word History and Origins

Origin of sponsor¹

C17: from Latin, from spondēre to promise solemnly

Example Sentences

The company runs sponsored commercials on YouTube Shorts and Facebook, targeting people involved in car accidents and other personal injuries.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

An assistant for primary bill sponsor Sen. Billy Garrett, R, told Salon they had forwarded the request to Garrett’s personal email.

Read more on Salon

Matt Lewis, a spokesperson for California YIMBY, one of the bill’s sponsors, said he empathizes with homeowners wishing their neighborhoods would stay the same.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

With the help of sponsors Nike and Open Beer, drinks were flowing and the night was filled with surprises.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The Saudi Arabian government has spent years denying claims of 'sportswashing' - sponsoring or hosting sporting events to promote a positive public image and distract attention from human rights issues.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• advocate 
• backer 
• benefactor 
• patron 
• promoter 
• supporter 
• underwriter