tribute

[ trib-yoot ]

noun

1. a gift, testimonial, compliment, or the like, given as due or in acknowledgment of gratitude or esteem.

   Synonyms: eulogy, commendation, recognition

2. a stated sum or other valuable consideration paid by one sovereign or state to another in acknowledgment of subjugation or as the price of peace, security, protection, or the like.
3. a rent, tax, or the like, as that paid by a subject to a sovereign.
4. any exacted or enforced payment or contribution.

   Synonyms: duty, impost, toll, levy

5. obligation or liability to make such payment.

tribute

/ ˈtrɪbjuːt /

noun

1. a gift or statement made in acknowledgment, gratitude, or admiration
2. 1. a payment by one ruler or state to another, usually as an acknowledgment of submission
   2. any tax levied for such a payment
3. (in feudal society) homage or a payment rendered by a vassal to his lord
4. the obligation to pay tribute

Word History and Origins

Origin of tribute¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English tribut, from Latin tribūtum “levied payment,” noun use of neuter past participle of tribuere “to assign, allot,” verb derivative of tribus tribe

Word History and Origins

Origin of tribute¹

C14: from Latin tribūtum , from tribuere to grant (originally: to distribute among the tribes), from tribus tribe

Example Sentences

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has recorded his own version of rap track Get Low alongside US star T-Pain, in tribute to his wife Priscilla Chan for their "dating anniversary".

From BBC

In a tribute to her father, “Parks and Recreation” alum Rashida Jones, one of his seven children, said that Jones’ legacy is making “everyone he ever met feel loved and seen.”

From Los Angeles Times

I love my city, and to be able to create this tribute piece to that moment in anticipation of what’s coming was really meaningful.

From Los Angeles Times

Often called “Mr. Snap, Crackle” in tribute to his brisk, articulate drumming style, he wrote a signature tune with the same name for his own 1962 album, “Out of the Afternoon.”

From Los Angeles Times

A critic’s tribute to Broadway composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim, a master of storytelling in song.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accolade
• appreciation
• compliment
• eulogy
• gift
• gratitude
• honor
• memorial
• recognition
• respect