attribution

American  

[a-truh-byoo-shuhn] / ˌæ trəˈbju 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.

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Other Word Forms

• misattribution
  noun
• reattribution
  noun

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Etymology

Origin of attribution

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

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Explanation

"A wise man once said..." Ever wonder who said that famous quotation? Then you're curious about its attribution. An attribution identifies a source or cause of something — in this case, the person who first said the quote. Attribution often involves identifying the author or source of written material or a work of art. If you want to prove that painting you found in your basement is a van Gogh, you'd produce evidence to ensure proper attribution. The word can be used more generally to indicate the source of anything, whether it's a bombing, climate change, or success. For example, attribution of your success might be hard work and the support of family and friends.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

attribution

There is also one work of uncertain attribution, identified as being by one of Andrea’s children, either Girolamo or Luca the Younger.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 21, 2026

“The strategic advantage of cyber warfare lies in its stealth and ambiguity. Because it blurs the line between war and crime, attribution becomes difficult, enabling perpetrators to operate with minimal consequences.”

From Salon ● Oct. 15, 2026

At the heart of the legal argument is an attribution study published in a journal belonging to the Nature group, which estimates that climate change intensified the extreme rainfall in 2024 by 12 percent.

From Barron's ● Oct. 15, 2026

“We are not seeking publicity or attribution for the individuals involved and are declining interviews.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 17, 2026

Thanks in part to that wrong attribution, Ad Herennium was the most popular handbook right through to the Renaissance.

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith

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