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

• sponsorship noun
• sponsorial adjective
• 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

Christopher Joell-Deshields was suspended as CEO of Pride in London and removed as a director of the company behind the annual event after being accused of using vouchers donated by sponsors for personal use.

From BBC

But Falconer, who is sponsoring the bill in the Lords, has urged his colleagues respect the convention that laws backed by MPs are not blocked in the Upper House.

From BBC

In addition, it is thought Puma - Duplantis’ sponsor - awards bonuses for breaking world records, though it was unwilling to disclose any contractual details.

From BBC

The focus of the protests has been Israel-Premier Tech, the sponsors of a team which includes several British riders.

From BBC

On ITV, Tom Kerridge Cooks is sponsored by Marks and Spencer and features "producers who supply M&S" - so too does Cooking With the Stars.

From BBC

Related Words

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