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

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

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’s an assumption that the second half is Shakespeare’s, but scholars continue to quarrel over attribution.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 5, 2026

"It makes it harder to assign attribution because if all of your attacks and groups are coming out of Iran, you can pretty much link it to Iran," Wright said.

From BBC ● Aug. 4, 2026

The authors note that additional scientific concerns have been raised about other parts of the DOE report, including its treatment of climate change detection and attribution.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 2, 2026

"Even when all suspicions point toward Iran or Iran-aligned groups, governments may avoid immediate public attribution because they want to preserve room for de-escalation and avoid being trapped into a military response," Bitar said.

From Barron's ● May 18, 2026

I doubt both this and the traditional attribution to Jacopo de’ Barbari.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton