contribution

noun

con·​tri·​bu·​tion ˌkän-trə-ˈbyü-shən How to pronounce contribution (audio)
plural contributions
1
: the act of contributing: such as
a
: the giving or supplying of something (such as money or time) as a part or share
They're collecting donations for contribution to the scholarship fund.
The hundreds of sweets were donated by members of the community in contribution to the center's midday Easter community meal, which will serve about 800 guests, said Phillip Wilson, weekend facility technician at Charlotte Rescue Mission.Brittany Penland
b
: the giving or supplying of something that plays a significant part in making something happen
Nurses are advised … to acknowledge each individual's right to choose … the level of contribution that they may want to make to decisions about their care.Beverley Bostock-Cox
2
: something that is contributed: such as
a
: something (such as money or time) that is given or supplied as a part or share
his $100 contribution to the cancer research fund
401(k) contributions
Give cash. Contributions of food and clothing do not have the immediate impact that money does because they take longer to distribute. Some relief organizations may not have the staff or infrastructure to do that job well.JDNews.com (Jacksonville, North Carolina)
During the 1930's, Dr. [William Henry] Sebrell made many important contributions to our knowledge of the anemias and the role of diet in cirrhosis of the liver.NIH.gov
She wants to make a positive contribution to society.
b
: something that plays a significant part in making something happen
her contribution to the team's victory
He [Zullfigar Ali Quershi] added that Pakistan would nonetheless attempt to limit its contribution to climate change problems as the country developed economically.Richard Monastersky
c
: something (such as an article) that is supplied for a publication
… the new magazine, though published mainly in English, will print French contributions in the original, with English abstracts.Quill and Quire
3
: a payment (such as a levy or tax) imposed by military, civil, or ecclesiastical authorities usually for a special or extraordinary purpose
contributive adjective
contributively adverb

Examples of contribution in a Sentence

They thanked him for his contribution of time and money. He made an important contribution to the debate. As mayor, he made many positive contributions to the growth of the city. a book of essays including contributions from several well-known political columnists The money was raised by voluntary contribution.
Recent Examples on the Web Additionally, Southwestern Ohio Regional Transit Authority, which operates the Metro bus system, is considering a $100,000 contribution. The Enquirer, 21 Mar. 2024 For almost 30 years, Joachim has made a significant contribution to the company’s success both creatively and commercially and always particularly supporting young talent. Ed Meza, Variety, 19 Mar. 2024 The album, Cowboy Carter, has contributions from Elizabeth Lowell Boland, Rhiannon Giddens, Raphael Saadiq, Hit-Boy, Nathan Ferraro, Killah B, and more. Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 19 Mar. 2024 Hui Qin, a Chinese cinema billionaire, pleaded guilty Monday to federal election crimes, admitting to contributions of thousands of dollars to political candidates in New York and Rhode Island that were made in the names of others. Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 19 Mar. 2024 Her contribution is a textile piece that portrays her as Blodeuwedd, a character made of flowers from Welsh folklore. Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Mar. 2024 March is Women's History Month, a time to highlight and celebrate women's contributions to history, culture, and society. Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2024 An official with the Trump super PAC would not say whether Mr. Yass has given money to the group, but a person close to the campaign said he is expected to make a seven-figure contribution. Maggie Haberman, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2024 The family is also accepting charitable contributions and donations through Cash App at $chefmaxcelhardy| | | or Zelle using 813-992-0606. Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 10 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'contribution.' 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 contribucioun "levy, impost, payment," borrowed from Anglo-French contribucion "payment," borrowed from Latin contribūtiōn-, contribūtiō "something given as a portion or share, payment," from contribū-, variant stem of contribuere "to join into one unit, attach (to a polity or ruler), give as a portion or share" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at contribute

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

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

Dictionary Entries Near contribution

Cite this Entry

“Contribution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contribution. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

contribution

noun
con·​tri·​bu·​tion ˌkän-trə-ˈbyü-shən How to pronounce contribution (audio)
1
: the act of contributing
2
: a sum or a thing contributed
contributive adjective

Legal Definition

contribution

noun
con·​tri·​bu·​tion
1
: payment of a share of an amount for which one is liable: as
a
: shared payment of a judgment by joint tortfeasors especially according to proportional fault compare apportion sense a
b
: pro rata apportionment of loss among all the insurance policies covering the same person or property compare indemnity
2
: the money paid by one responsible for a share
3
: payment to a common fund (as by an employer or employee to an insurance plan or retirement fund)

More from Merriam-Webster on contribution

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