attribution

American  

[a-truh-byoo-shuhn] / ˌæ trəˈbyu ʃən /

noun

1. the act of attributing; ascription.

2. something ascribed; an attribute.

3. Numismatics. a classification for a coin, based on its distinguishing features, as date, design, or metal.

4. Archaic. authority or function assigned, as to a ruler, legislative assembly, delegate, or the like.

---

Other Word Forms

• misattribution noun
• reattribution noun

Etymology

Origin of attribution

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin attribūtiōn-, stem of attribūtiō “assignment, an allotting”; attribute, -ion

Example Sentences

However, Ulmen's lawyers have rejected her characterisation of the situation and say no "unilateral attribution of blame" has been made towards their client.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

In the climate science chapter, footnote 77 says “discussion of attribution research has been adapted, and, in some cases, excerpted from the authors’ prior publications on this topic.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

“And we’ll do it the right way: responsibly, with safeguards that protect artists’ work, ensure attribution, and respect copyright.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 7, 2026

The claimants are aiming to use what is known as attribution science, whereby a company’s contribution to global warming is estimated using historical output.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 11, 2025

Typical Connectives but, while, however, nonetheless, yet despite, even though One other major coherence relation doesn’t easily fit into Hume’s trichotomy, attribution: so-and-so believes such-and-such.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker