tribute

American  

[trib-yoot] / ˈtrɪb yut /

noun

1. a gift, testimonial, compliment, or the like, given as due or in acknowledgment of gratitude or esteem.

   Synonyms:

   eulogy, commendation, recognition

2. a stated sum or other valuable consideration paid by one sovereign or state to another in acknowledgment of subjugation or as the price of peace, security, protection, or the like.

3. a rent, tax, or the like, as that paid by a subject to a sovereign.

4. any exacted or enforced payment or contribution.

   Synonyms:

   duty, impost, toll, levy

5. obligation or liability to make such payment.

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tribute British  

/ ˈtrɪbjuːt /

noun

1. a gift or statement made in acknowledgment, gratitude, or admiration

2. 1. a payment by one ruler or state to another, usually as an acknowledgment of submission

   2. any tax levied for such a payment

3. (in feudal society) homage or a payment rendered by a vassal to his lord

4. the obligation to pay tribute

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Etymology

Origin of tribute

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English tribut, from Latin tribūtum “levied payment,” noun use of neuter past participle of tribuere “to assign, allot,” verb derivative of tribus tribe

Explanation

A tribute is a sign of respect or admiration, an award to honor a person's accomplishments. A famous director receives a lifetime achievement award as a tribute to his many successful films. We're most familiar with the use of the word tribute meaning to honor someone with words or an award. You can hear a tribute if you're lucky enough to attend an entertainment awards ceremony, or need to attend a funeral. Students will give a retiring teacher flowers as a tribute to her years of service in education. Tribute can also mean a kind of payment that's given from one nation to another.

Example Sentences

Appeared in the December 10, 2025, print edition as 'ESPN’s Tribute To a Vibrant Voice'.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 9, 2025

Big Tribute Festival said it had met all environmental health requirements, including council-led water testing and the removal of livestock ahead of the event.

From BBC • Nov. 27, 2025

Instead of booking two nights just to use a room for a few hours, I found the Ellis Tribute Hotel through Daypass, a service that lets you book rooms during daytime hours.

From Salon • Jan. 26, 2025

Lynch drew the biggest roar from the crowd when he was announced as part of “A Tribute to Seattle Sports” during the second-period break.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 1, 2024

Similarly, in Masaccio’s Tribute Money the vanishing point lies behind Christ’s head.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Related Words

• accolade
• appreciation
• compliment
• eulogy
• gift
• gratitude
• honor
• memorial
• recognition
• respect