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

Example Sentences

The California measure’s principal sponsor, the Service Employees International Union, and its allies will have to gather nearly 875,000 signatures of registered voters by June 24 to reach the ballot.

From Los Angeles Times

Alzubidi will also "discuss the southern dialogue sponsored by Riyadh", the official said.

From Barron's

A final room allows visitors to search their own family records through kiosks sponsored by Ancestry.com.

From The Wall Street Journal

Another nonprofit, Asian Refugees United, sponsors “weekly Queer Youth Art Storytellers programming, which combines youth mentorship, leadership development, and creative skill-building” to reduce substance abuse.

From The Wall Street Journal

Lee sponsored him to enter the country and Jones volunteered for Canada's Liberal Party, but money started going missing.

From BBC

Related Words

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