First Known Use: 1530
Dictionary
contribute
verb con·trib·ute \kən-ˈtri-byət, -(ˌ)byüt also & especially before -ed or -ing -ˈtri-bət; chiefly British also ˈkän-trə-ˌbyüt\
: to give (something, such as money, goods, or time) to help a person, group, cause, or organization
: to help to cause something to happen
: to write (something, such as a story, poem, or essay) for a magazine
con·trib·ut·edcon·trib·ut·ing
Full Definition of CONTRIBUTE
transitive verb
1
: to give or supply in common with others <contribute money to a cause>
2
: to supply (as an article) for a publication
intransitive verb
1
a : to give a part to a common fund or store <contribute to a fund-raising campaign> b : to play a significant part in bringing about an end or result <many players have contributed to the team's success>
2
: to submit articles to a publication
— con·trib·u·tor \-byə-tər, -bə-, -ˌbyü-\ noun
See contribute defined for English-language learners
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Origin of CONTRIBUTE
Latin contributus, past participle of contribuere, from com- + tribuere to grant — more at tribute
CONTRIBUTED Defined for Kids
contribute
verb con·trib·ute \kən-ˈtri-byət, -byüt\
con·trib·ut·edcon·trib·ut·ing
Definition of CONTRIBUTE for Kids
1
: to give along with others
2
: to have a share in something <You all contributed to the success of the project.>
3
: to supply (as an article) for publication especially in a magazine
— con·trib·u·tor \kən-ˈtri-byə-tər\ noun
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