sponsor

American  

[spon-ser] / ˈspɒn sər /

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.

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verb (used with object)

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

   Synonyms:

   underwrite, back, finance, guarantee

sponsor British  

/ 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

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verb

1. (tr) to act as a sponsor for

Other Word Forms

• sponsorial
  adjective
• sponsorship
  noun
• unsponsored
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of sponsor

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

Explanation

A sponsor provides support for someone or something, typically by supplying cash. Because your company is a sponsor for a homeless organization, they provide funding for the annual 5K run to raise money for the shelter. The word sponsor stems from the Latin word spondre, meaning "give assurance, promise solemnly." A sponsor might support an important issue such as cancer research or education, or a sponsor might take responsibility for someone. You might be your brother's sponsor so he can join your exclusive chess group. Sponsor has a verb form to describe the action of supporting or leading something. You can sponsor a nonprofit arts organization by donating and participating on the board.

Example Sentences

Channel 4 launched an external review, all the episodes have been taken down from its streaming service, and a major sponsor has pulled out.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

For the time being, Paintsil is funding much of the academy’s work on his $4.5-million salary with the Galaxy, although Herbalife, the team’s longtime shirt sponsor, is helping with a sports nutrition program.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

According to reporting from Politico, at least one travel-related company declined to sponsor the venture after concluding it was unethical.

From Salon • May 18, 2026

The study was led by Prof Luca Busetto of the University of Padova in Italy along with colleagues, including researchers from Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of semaglutide and sponsor of the study.

From Science Daily • May 11, 2026

“Kvothe is raised to Re’lar with Elodin as sponsor on the fifth of Fallow. Meeting adjourned.”

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss

Related Words

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