contribute

verb

con·​trib·​ute kən-ˈtri-(ˌ)byüt 

-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

Synonyms of contribute

• donate

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

The day is widely celebrated by nonprofits and charities, encouraging people to contribute to their causes. —Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Dec. 2025

Cornerback Miles Battle, who just signed off the practice squad this week, certainly has the speed to contribute as a gunner. —Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 1 Dec. 2025

The Bee’s Daniel Lempres contributed to this story. —Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 30 Nov. 2025

Previously the Channel Editor for Cameras and Skywatching at Space, Jase has been an editor and contributing expert across a wide range of publications since 2010. —Harry Bennett, Space.com, 30 Nov. 2025

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

Rhymes for contribute

• distribute
• redistribute
• tribute

Kids Definition

contribute

verb

con·​trib·​ute kən-ˈtrib-yət 

-(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

-yət-ər 

noun

Legal Definition

contribute

verb

con·​trib·​ute

contributed; contributing

transitive verb

: to make a contribution of

intransitive verb

: to make a contribution