tribute

American  

[trib-yoot] / ˈtrɪb yut /

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.

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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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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

“To be in this kitchen and this restaurant feels like a tribute to his heart,” said Stephen.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

In his first speech in Algiers, Leo paid tribute to victims of the country's 1954-1962 war of independence from France and called for "forgiveness".

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

The company's owners, Harriet D'Alessio and Christiaan Le Roux, paid tribute to him on Tuesday.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Sid wrote a tribute to his brother for The Times after his death.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

His next exploit was to fight and conquer the Minyans, who had been exacting a burdensome tribute from the Thebans.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton

Related Words

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