contribution

noun

con·​tri·​bu·​tion ˌkän-trə-ˈbyü-shən 

plural contributions

1

: the act of contributing: such as

a

: the giving or supplying of something (such as money or time) as a part or share

They're collecting donations for contribution to the scholarship fund.

The hundreds of sweets were donated by members of the community in contribution to the center's midday Easter community meal, which will serve about 800 guests, said Phillip Wilson, weekend facility technician at Charlotte Rescue Mission.

—Brittany Penland

b

: the giving or supplying of something that plays a significant part in making something happen

Nurses are advised … to acknowledge each individual's right to choose … the level of contribution that they may want to make to decisions about their care.

—Beverley Bostock-Cox

2

: something that is contributed: such as

a

: something (such as money or time) that is given or supplied as a part or share

his $100 contribution to the cancer research fund

401(k) contributions

Give cash. Contributions of food and clothing do not have the immediate impact that money does because they take longer to distribute. Some relief organizations may not have the staff or infrastructure to do that job well.

—JDNews.com (Jacksonville, North Carolina)

During the 1930's, Dr. [William Henry] Sebrell made many important contributions to our knowledge of the anemias and the role of diet in cirrhosis of the liver.

—NIH.gov

She wants to make a positive contribution to society.

b

: something that plays a significant part in making something happen

her contribution to the team's victory

He [Zullfigar Ali Quershi] added that Pakistan would nonetheless attempt to limit its contribution to climate change problems as the country developed economically.

—Richard Monastersky

c

: something (such as an article) that is supplied for a publication

… the new magazine, though published mainly in English, will print French contributions in the original, with English abstracts.

—Quill and Quire

3

: a payment (such as a levy or tax) imposed by military, civil, or ecclesiastical authorities usually for a special or extraordinary purpose

contributive

kən-ˈtri-byə-tiv 

adjective

contributively adverb

Synonyms

• alms
• benefaction
• beneficence
• charity
• donation
• philanthropy

Examples of contribution in a Sentence

They thanked him for his contribution of time and money.

He made an important contribution to the debate.

As mayor, he made many positive contributions to the growth of the city.

a book of essays including contributions from several well-known political columnists

The money was raised by voluntary contribution.

Recent Examples on the Web

In other words, the amount of money people believe is in the account—whether the total is based solely on the initial $1,000 deposit or on additional contributions—will be less than the actual balance. —Noreen Sugrue, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

Co-produced by Lorde and Jim-E Stack, Virgin also features contributions from Daniel Nigro, Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon, Blood Orange’s Devonté Hynes, Fabiana Palladino, Buddy Ross, and Inc. —Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 27 June 2025

These individuals have been recognized for their exceptional contributions to the art and science of filmmaking, representing a diverse spectrum of talent, perspectives and geographic backgrounds. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 26 June 2025

Moreover, when boards spend owners’ HOA contributions without proper oversight and consultation, as required by CIOA and most condo bylaws, the financial implications can be severe. —Steven Delco, Hartford Courant, 26 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English contribucioun "levy, impost, payment," borrowed from Anglo-French contribucion "payment," borrowed from Latin contribūtiōn-, contribūtiō "something given as a portion or share, payment," from contribū-, variant stem of contribuere "to join into one unit, attach (to a polity or ruler), give as a portion or share" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at contribute

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for contribution

• absolution
• allocution
• attribution
• comminution
• constitution
• convolution
• destitution
• devolution
• diminution
• dissolution
• distribution
• elocution

Kids Definition

contribution

noun

con·​tri·​bu·​tion ˌkän-trə-ˈbyü-shən 

1

: the act of contributing

2

: a sum or a thing contributed

contributive

kən-ˈtrib-yət-iv 

adjective

Legal Definition

contribution

noun

con·​tri·​bu·​tion

1

: payment of a share of an amount for which one is liable: as

a

: shared payment of a judgment by joint tortfeasors especially according to proportional fault compare apportion sense a

b

: pro rata apportionment of loss among all the insurance policies covering the same person or property compare indemnity

2

: the money paid by one responsible for a share

3

: payment to a common fund (as by an employer or employee to an insurance plan or retirement fund)