Definition of "sponsor" []

• One who assumes responsibility for another person or a group during a period of instruction, apprenticeship, or probation. (noun)
• One who vouches for the suitability of a candidate for admission. (noun)
• A legislator who proposes and urges adoption of a bill. (noun)
• One who presents a candidate for baptism or confirmation; a godparent. (noun)
• One that finances a project or an event carried out by another person or group, especially a business enterprise that pays for radio or television programming in return for advertising time. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "In covering the story last Tuesday, The Times used the term "sponsor messages" in a weak effort to downplay the scope of PBS's sellout."
• "Ford Motor Company came on as the title sponsor with a reported $1 million contribution in 2006 and a year later, AT&T stepped in and expanded the race to seven days from six."
• "The Heritage Classic is being played without a title sponsor this week, amid speculation that the PGA Tour will not return to Harbour Town Golf Links."