contribute

American  

[kuhn-trib-yoot] / kənˈtrɪb yut /

verb (used with object)

contributed, contributing

1. to give (money, time, knowledge, assistance, etc.) to a common supply, fund, etc., as for charitable purposes.

   Synonyms:

   donate, furnish, provide

2. to furnish (an original written work, drawing, etc.) for publication.

   to contribute stories to a magazine.

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verb (used without object)

contributed, contributing

1. to give to a common supply, fund, etc..

   He contributes to many charities.

2. to furnish written works, drawings, etc., for publication.

   Our thanks to those who contributed to our alumni newsletter.

3. to be an important factor; help to cause something.

   A sudden downpour contributed to the traffic jam.

contribute British  

/ kənˈtrɪbjuːt /

verb

1. to give (support, money, etc) for a common purpose or fund

2. to supply (ideas, opinions, etc) as part of a debate or discussion

3. (intr) to be partly instrumental (in) or responsible (for)

   drink contributed to the accident

4. to write (articles) for a publication

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Other Word Forms

• contributable adjective
• contributive adjective
• contributively adverb
• contributiveness noun
• noncontributable adjective
• noncontributing adjective
• noncontributive adjective
• noncontributiveness noun
• overcontribute verb
• precontribute verb (used with object)
• uncontributed adjective
• uncontributing adjective
• uncontributive adjective
• uncontributiveness noun

Etymology

Origin of contribute

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin contribūtus, past participle of contribuēre “to bring together”; see origin at con-, tribute

Explanation

To contribute something is to provide a part of the whole. When your company has their annual softball game and potluck picnic, you will probably be asked to contribute a dish, like your famous macaroni salad. Contribute comes from a Latin word that means “to bring together, add, or unite.” When you contribute to a cause, you are adding to what other people have kicked in, which makes the effort complete. You can contribute your singing talent to a traveling a cappella group; you can contribute money or time to save rhinoceroses; you can contribute cupcakes to the gymnastics team bake sale; or you can even contribute ideas on healthcare reform to a Washington think tank.

Example Sentences

Shy’tyra Burton’s monthly SSI support check is what allows her to contribute to her household, by paying her own phone and internet bills and buying many of her own meals, according to her father, Rondell.

From Salon • Apr. 29, 2026

Holywell councillor Daniel Thomas said the town council had offered to contribute to a gate to keep sheep on grazing land, but it had been "knocked back" by Flintshire Council.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

Onstar and Super Cruise, an advanced driver-assistance system that offers hands-free driving, is helping contribute to GM’s growth in that area, according to Barra.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

As part of the investor group, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has agreed to contribute $10 billion, according to regulatory filings.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2026

But they were not here to contribute their knowledge.

From "The Underground Railroad: A Novel" by Colson Whitehead

Related Words

• add
• commit
• devote
• give
• grant
• pony up
• share
• subsidize
• supply