tribute

noun

trib·​ute ˈtri-(ˌ)byüt How to pronounce tribute (audio)
-byət
Synonyms of tributenext
1
a
: something given or contributed voluntarily as due or deserved
especially : a gift or service showing respect, gratitude, or affection
a floral tribute
b
: something (such as material evidence or a formal attestation) that indicates the worth, virtue, or effectiveness of the one in question
the design is a tribute to his ingenuity
2
a
: a payment by one ruler or nation to another in acknowledgment of submission or as the price of protection
also : the tax levied for such a payment
b(1)
: an excessive tax, rental, or tariff imposed by a government, sovereign, lord, or landlord
(2)
: an exorbitant charge levied by a person or group having the power of coercion
c
: the liability to pay tribute

Did you know?

Tribute originally took the form of things given from a weaker group to the dominant power of a region—a bit like the "protection money" the Mafia gets from small businesses after making them offers they can't refuse, though the older form of tribute actually did buy the weaker group some protection from enemy forces. Tribute could come in the form of valuables, cattle, or even produce, and might include the loan of warriors to strengthen the ruler's army. But when we "pay tribute" today, it's generally in the form of praise. And when we say, for instance, that a successful school "is a tribute to" the vision of its founder, we mean that its success is itself a form of praise for the person who founded it. And a "tribute band" is a rock group intended to honor a great band of the past.

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 
Choose the Right Synonym for tribute

encomium, eulogy, panegyric, tribute, citation mean a formal expression of praise.

encomium implies enthusiasm and warmth in praising a person or a thing.

received encomiums from literary critics

eulogy applies to a prepared speech or writing extolling the virtues and services of a person.

delivered the eulogy at the funeral service

panegyric suggests an elaborate often poetic compliment.

her lyrical memoir was a panegyric to her mentor

tribute implies deeply felt praise conveyed either through words or through a significant act.

the concert was a musical tribute to the early jazz masters

citation applies to the formal praise of a person offered in a military dispatch or in awarding an honorary degree.

earned a citation for bravery

Examples of tribute in a Sentence

The concert was a tribute to the musician. Yellow ribbons were tied on trees as a tribute to the soldiers at war. an event at which artists and musicians paid tribute to the famous composer The country was forced to pay tribute. The ruler paid a tribute every year.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
His former One Tree Hill co-stars paid tribute to the late actor on social media. —Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 18 Nov. 2024 Days after his death, his daughter Rashida Jones paid tribute to him on social media. —Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 14 Nov. 2024 Both events form part of the United Kingdom’s Remembrance Day commemorations as the nation pays tribute to those whose lives were affected by World War I and remembers those who died. —Freddie Clayton, NBC News, 10 Nov. 2024 While the design of the building is a tribute to New York, the amenities are all about providing some relief from the mania of the city. —Jessica Cherner, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tribute 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English tribut, from Latin tributum, from neuter of tributus, past participle of tribuere to allot, bestow, grant, pay, from tribus tribe

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of tribute was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing tribute

Dictionary Entries Near tribute

tributary

tribute

tribute album

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Tribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tribute. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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Kids Definition

tribute

noun
trib·​ute ˈtrib-ˌyüt How to pronounce tribute (audio)
-yət
1
a
: a payment made by one ruler or nation to another to show obedience or to obtain peace or protection
b
: a tax to raise money for a tribute
c
: the obligation to pay tribute
nations under tribute
2
: something (as a gift or speech of praise) that is given or performed to show appreciation, respect, or affection
floral tribute

More from Merriam-Webster on tribute

Nglish: Translation of tribute for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of tribute for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tribute

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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