tribute

American  

[trib-yoot] / ˈtrɪb jut /

noun

• tributes
  plural

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.

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tribute British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• tributes
  plural

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.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

tribute tributes

Minnie's family previously paid tribute to their "beloved, absolutely incredible, beautiful and brave Minnie Moo".

From BBC ● Aug. 13, 2026

Khan, who won re-election in the 2024 election, paid tribute to Binface for standing, joking the count had made him "work hard for it".

From Barron's ● Aug. 12, 2026

“Seeing Jackie and Shadow’s devoted fans come together to protect the home they shared from human development is the most meaningful tribute to Jackie for the remarkable legacy she has left us.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 11, 2026

In his tribute to the actor, Coscarelli said the Long Beach native “channeled himself into that role” and described the parallels between Bannister’s character and his offscreen personality.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 11, 2026

After discovering that none of them matched the date, she restarted the tribute video of Coach Washington.

From "The Parker Inheritance" by Varian Johnson

Readers share emotional tributes to the beloved Big Bear bald eagle.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 14, 2026

The order of service also included tributes paid by the Rev Roger Widdecombe, Widdecombe's nephew, and Sir Christian Sweeting, a close friend.

From BBC ● Aug. 12, 2026

After losing both his grandmother and his close friend Oscar Botello, the late producer better known as Milkman, Díaz infuses the album with sentimental tributes.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 12, 2026

Social media was also awash with tributes to Purja, with many saying that Nepal was in mourning and that the country had lost a "legend" and "many great climbers".

From BBC ● Aug. 3, 2026

Even in regular years, the tributes from Districts 1, 2, and 4 show up able to wield spears and swords.

From "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins

Related Words

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