1. Provide money or other resources to support something
   "The company sponsored the local sports team";
   - patronize, patronise [Brit]
    
2. Assume responsibility for or leadership of
   "The senator announced that he would sponsor the health care plan"
    
3. Do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of
   "They frequently sponsor the local bookstore";
   - patronize, patronise [Brit], shop, shop at, buy at, frequent

1. A person or group that provides financial or other support to an event, person, organization, or cause
   "The company became a sponsor of the Olympic team";
   - patron, supporter
    
2. An advocate who presents a person (as for an award or a degree or an introduction etc.)
   "The sponsor called the award winner to the stage";
   - presenter [Brit]
    
3. A legislator who proposes and supports a bill
   "The senator was the main sponsor of the healthcare bill"
    
4. [US] A person or organization that pays for a radio/TV program or commercial time
   "This program is brought to you by our sponsor"

Derived forms: sponsored, sponsoring, sponsors

Type of: advocate, advocator, back up, benefactor, exponent, helper, proponent, support

Encyclopedia: Sponsor