tribute
Americannoun
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a gift, testimonial, compliment, or the like, given as due or in acknowledgment of gratitude or esteem.
- Synonyms:
- eulogy, commendation, recognition
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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.
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a rent, tax, or the like, as that paid by a subject to a sovereign.
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any exacted or enforced payment or contribution.
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obligation or liability to make such payment.
noun
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a gift or statement made in acknowledgment, gratitude, or admiration
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a payment by one ruler or state to another, usually as an acknowledgment of submission
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any tax levied for such a payment
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(in feudal society) homage or a payment rendered by a vassal to his lord
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the obligation to pay tribute
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
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.
Vocabulary lists containing tribute
"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 20–25
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Tears of a Tiger
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Africa - Introductory
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Springsteen performed the song as the opening number of “A Tribute To Heroes,” the national post-9/11 telethon benefiting victims and their families.
From Salon • Feb. 10, 2026
Appeared in the December 10, 2025, print edition as 'ESPN’s Tribute To a Vibrant Voice'.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 9, 2025
Lynch drew the biggest roar from the crowd when he was announced as part of “A Tribute to Seattle Sports” during the second-period break.
From Seattle Times • Jan. 1, 2024
Tribute is paid in Bandit Facebook groups, Bandit memes and custom Bandit fan merchandise.
From New York Times • Dec. 18, 2023
Similarly, in Masaccio’s Tribute Money the vanishing point lies behind Christ’s head.
From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
