plural tributaries
Definition of tributary
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: a stream feeding a larger stream or a lake
2
: a ruler or state that pays tribute to a conqueror
tributary
adjectiveDefinition of tributary (Entry 2 of 2)
2
: paid or owed as tribute
tributary gifts
3
: channeling material or supplies into something more inclusive : contributory
Test Your Vocabulary
Challenging Words You Should Know
-
- Often used to describe “the march of time,” what does inexorable mean?

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share tributary
Time Traveler for tributary
The first known use of tributary was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century