tribute

noun

trib·​ute ˈtri-(ˌ)byüt How to pronounce tribute (audio)
-byət
1
a
: something given or contributed voluntarily as due or deserved
especially : a gift or service showing respect, gratitude, or affection
a floral tribute
b
: something (such as material evidence or a formal attestation) that indicates the worth, virtue, or effectiveness of the one in question
the design is a tribute to his ingenuity
2
a
: a payment by one ruler or nation to another in acknowledgment of submission or as the price of protection
also : the tax levied for such a payment
b(1)
: an excessive tax, rental, or tariff imposed by a government, sovereign, lord, or landlord
(2)
: an exorbitant charge levied by a person or group having the power of coercion
c
: the liability to pay tribute

Did you know?

Tribute originally took the form of things given from a weaker group to the dominant power of a region—a bit like the "protection money" the Mafia gets from small businesses after making them offers they can't refuse, though the older form of tribute actually did buy the weaker group some protection from enemy forces. Tribute could come in the form of valuables, cattle, or even produce, and might include the loan of warriors to strengthen the ruler's army. But when we "pay tribute" today, it's generally in the form of praise. And when we say, for instance, that a successful school "is a tribute to" the vision of its founder, we mean that its success is itself a form of praise for the person who founded it. And a "tribute band" is a rock group intended to honor a great band of the past.

Choose the Right Synonym for tribute

encomium, eulogy, panegyric, tribute, citation mean a formal expression of praise.

encomium implies enthusiasm and warmth in praising a person or a thing.

received encomiums from literary critics

eulogy applies to a prepared speech or writing extolling the virtues and services of a person.

delivered the eulogy at the funeral service

panegyric suggests an elaborate often poetic compliment.

her lyrical memoir was a panegyric to her mentor

tribute implies deeply felt praise conveyed either through words or through a significant act.

the concert was a musical tribute to the early jazz masters

citation applies to the formal praise of a person offered in a military dispatch or in awarding an honorary degree.

earned a citation for bravery

Examples of tribute in a Sentence

The concert was a tribute to the musician. Yellow ribbons were tied on trees as a tribute to the soldiers at war. an event at which artists and musicians paid tribute to the famous composer The country was forced to pay tribute. The ruler paid a tribute every year.
Recent Examples on the Web Bon Jovi’s 40th anniversary kicked off earlier this year when their lead singer was feted as the MusiCares Person of the Year with a tribute concert featuring the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Shania Twain, Jason Isbell, Jelly Roll and many more. Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 14 Mar. 2024 The give-away pays tribute to Mathematical Pi Day, according to a press release. Benjamin Collins, arkansasonline.com, 13 Mar. 2024 In January, Jonathan gave a nod to the wedding — and the exciting new chapter the couple has ahead — in a sweet birthday tribute to Deschanel. Erin Clack, Peoplemag, 13 Mar. 2024 It was bottled at 46.6 percent ABV as a tribute to the Six Pillars and the six casks selected. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2024 Several hip-hop artists have paid tribute to Laws on social media. Lauren Huff, EW.com, 12 Mar. 2024 Broadway traditionally dims the theater marquee lights to pay tribute to legends in the industry who have died, according to the monthly theatergoer magazine PlayBill. Justin Gamble, CNN, 12 Mar. 2024 McCartney is undoubtedly the biggest score for the tribute’s producers, as the former Beatles has rarely participated in any sort of all-star tribute, although the Eagles are not exactly regulars on that circuit, either. Chris Willman, Variety, 11 Mar. 2024 Lewis, who was paid tribute in an opening title card before the March 3 episode, appears in both the upcoming eighth episode as well as the series finale. Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tribute.' 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

Middle English tribut, from Latin tributum, from neuter of tributus, past participle of tribuere to allot, bestow, grant, pay, from tribus tribe

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of tribute was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near tribute

Cite this Entry

“Tribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tribute. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

tribute

noun
trib·​ute ˈtrib-ˌyüt How to pronounce tribute (audio)
-yət
1
a
: a payment made by one ruler or nation to another to show obedience or to obtain peace or protection
b
: a tax to raise money for a tribute
c
: the obligation to pay tribute
nations under tribute
2
: something (as a gift or speech of praise) that is given or performed to show appreciation, respect, or affection
floral tribute

More from Merriam-Webster on tribute

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