[count] 1 a : a person or organization that pays the cost of an activity or event (such as a radio or television program, sports event, concert, etc.) in return for the right to advertise during the activity or event
▪ Our company is a sponsor of the race. ▪ corporate sponsors
b : a person or organization that gives someone money for participating in a charity event (such as a walk or race)
▪ I have over 50 sponsors for next week's race.
c : an organization that gives money to an athlete for training, clothes, equipment, etc., in return for the right to use the athlete for advertising
▪ Her sponsors include a major sneaker company. 2 a : someone who takes the responsibility for someone or something
▪ He agreed to be my sponsor so that I could join the club. ▪ The senator is a sponsor of the proposed bill.
b : a person who teaches and guides someone in religious or spiritual matters
▪ She was my sponsor at my confirmation. [=she helped to prepare me for my confirmation]