tribute

American  

[trib-yoot] / ˈtrɪb jut /

noun

• tributes
  plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• tributes
  plural

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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

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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

See Examples For:

tribute tributes

According to People sources, Carmine is a “nod” to Cuoco’s father, while Bobby is a tribute to Pelphrey’s side of the family.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 15, 2026

And finally, the Independent is celebrating its 40th anniversary, with Andy Burnham paying a glowing tribute to the "bravery, spirit and values" of the news outlet.

From BBC ● Oct. 15, 2026

His sister Sekyiwa Shakur paid emotional tribute on Tuesday to her brother, a man whom she said "was born an icon."

From Barron's ● Oct. 13, 2026

Their marriage followed a rare public appearance together at the César Awards in Paris in February, when Carrey accepted an honorary award and offered a sweet tribute to his partner from the stage.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 13, 2026

They all liked Jo immensely, but never fell in love with her, though very few escaped without paying the tribute of a sentimental sigh or two at Amy’s shrine.

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott

Stars dressed by Mackie posted tributes to the designer after his death.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 14, 2026

Year: 2018 Compiled by: Noel Murray Of note: Accompanied by “The 10 Worst Family Games,” as well as myriad individual tributes to the games named on both lists.

From Slate ● Oct. 7, 2026

When Leonard Nimoy died in 2015, the tributes were out of all proportion to a TV actor.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2026

British singers Raye and Sienna Spiro, who won best new artist, also performed on the night, where there were tributes to the late Parton and George Michael.

From BBC ● Sep. 28, 2026

Anger temporarily blocked out my nervousness about meeting the other tributes, but now I can feel my anxiety rising again.

From "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins

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Related Words

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

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