sponsor Definition

sponsor
noun

1. A person or organization that finances an event or broadcast in return for advertising.

Thesaurus: patron, guarantor, backer, supporter, booster (US).
2a. Someone who promises a sum of money to a participant in a forthcoming fund-raising event;
2b. A company that provides backing for a team, especially in professional football, in return for the team displaying the company's name or logo on their shirts.
3. Someone who offers to be responsible for another, especially in acting as a godparent.
4. Someone who submits a proposal, eg for new legislation.

Example: sponsors of the reform bill

verb

sponsored, sponsoring
1. To act as a sponsor for someone or something.

Thesaurus: finance, fund, support, back, promote, subsidize, underwrite, guarantee, boost, stand behind.

Derivative: sponsorial
adj

Derivative: sponsorship
noun

Etymology: 17c: from Latin spondere, sponsum to promise solemnly.