attributive
adjective
at·trib·u·tive
ə-ˈtri-byə-tiv 
1
: relating to or of the nature of an attribute : attributing
2
grammar
: joined directly to a modified noun without a linking verb (such as city in city streets)
an attributive adjective
The "apple" of "apple pie" is not an adjective but an attributive noun.
attributive
noun
attributively
adverb
a noun being used attributively
Examples of attributive in a Sentence
“Red” in “red hair” is an attributive adjective.
In “airplane pilot” the noun “airplane” is attributive.
Word History
First Known Use
1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near attributive
Cite this Entry
“Attributive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attributive. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
attributive
adjective
at·trib·u·tive
ə-ˈtrib-yət-iv
: joined directly to a modified noun without a verb
"city" in "city streets" is attributive
compare predicate
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