contribute

verb

con·​trib·​ute kən-ˈtri-(ˌ)byüt How to pronounce contribute (audio)
-byət,
 also and especially before -​ed or -​ing  -ˈtri-bət;
 chiefly British also  ˈkän-trə-ˌbyüt
contributed; contributing; contributes
1
transitive + intransitive : to give or supply (something, such as money or time) as a part or share
contribute money to a cause
contributed canned goods to the food drive
What percentage of your pay should you contribute to your 401(k)?
We'd like to thank all who contributed their time and effort.
I'm happy to attend, but I don't have much to contribute to the discussion.
Many people contributed to the fund-raising campaign.
If you are a parent, success is probably defined by how well your children turned out. Are they happy, successful adults? Do they contribute to society in a positive way?Bill Nordbrock
2
transitive + intransitive : to supply (something, such as an article) for a publication
He contributed several poems to the magazine.
The following authors contributed to this issue: …
3
intransitive : to play a significant part in making something happen
Many players have contributed to the team's success.
"We cannot address climate change without looking at all the components that are contributing to the problem of emissions."Tony de Brum

Examples of contribute in a Sentence

The volunteers contributed their time towards cleaning up the city. We're trying to raise money for a new school, and we're hoping that everyone will contribute. He did not contribute to the project. In order for the team to win, everyone has to contribute. He contributed many poems to the magazine. Ten scientists contributed to the special edition of the journal.
Recent Examples on the Web Garcia said office would continue to work with the Secretary of State. Eleanor Dearman contributed to this report. Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Mar. 2024 Hunter Lopez, 22. Los Angeles Times reporters Robin Estrin, Maria L. La Ganga and Brittny Mejia contributed to this report. Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2024 Staff writer Jeff Collins contributed to this report. Samantha Gowen, Orange County Register, 8 Mar. 2024 Among the most outspoken is Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker, who has pointed to the confluence of lax gun laws and expanded self-defense as contributing to Kansas City’s high homicide rate, which reached a new record in 2023. Bill Lukitsch, Kansas City Star, 8 Mar. 2024 Multiple factors contributed to Mount Healthy City Schools’ financial downfall As a public school district, Mount Healthy City Schools depends on state and federal funding and local taxes for its budget. Fox19, The Enquirer, 8 Mar. 2024 The result of these collective forces is a watch that retains the hallmarks of the Royal Oak that have contributed to its enduring legacy with a fresh, highly contemporary design language. Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 7 Mar. 2024 Bring items to contribute to a leap day time capsule, to be opened in four years. Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 25 Feb. 2024 The Impact of Wealth on Education The wealth of Palo Alto schools contributes to high academic performance, with students often achieving top scores on standardized tests and gaining admission to prestigious universities. Soulaima Gourani, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'contribute.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin contribūtus, past participle of contribuere "to join into one unit, unite, attach (to a polity or ruler for political or administrative purposes), give as a portion or share," from con- con- + tribuere "to share, apportion, grant, bestow" — more at tribute

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of contribute was in 1530

Dictionary Entries Near contribute

Cite this Entry

“Contribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contribute. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

contribute

verb
con·​trib·​ute kən-ˈtrib-yət How to pronounce contribute (audio)
-(ˌ)yüt
contributed; contributing
1
: to give along with others
contribute money to a cause
2
: to have a part in bringing about something
everybody contributed to the success of the show
3
: to submit articles to a publication
contributor noun

Legal Definition

contribute

verb
con·​trib·​ute
contributed; contributing

transitive verb

: to make a contribution of

intransitive verb

: to make a contribution

More from Merriam-Webster on contribute

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