tribute

[trib-yoot]

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.

tribute

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of tribute¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of tribute¹

C14: from Latin tribūtum , from tribuere to grant (originally: to distribute among the tribes), from tribus _tribe

Example Sentences

Digital advertising billboards in the Thai capital are displaying towering black tributes to the royal matriarch, while citizens have been asked to wear dark tones and curtail celebratory public events.

Read more on Barron's

His death on Dec. 14 sparked tributes from the fashion world as well as political leaders, including Spain’s prime minister.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In a tribute to the loyalty and love the alumni have for their schools, an estimated crowd of 14,000 showed up Friday night at East Los Angeles College for the 90th East L.A.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Yet, when it came time to name his son, he knew he wanted to pay tribute to the team he grew up cheering for.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

On Sunday night, the professional dancers will perform a dance paying tribute to pop star Britney Spears.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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