contribute
verb
con·trib·ute
kən-ˈtri-(ˌ)byüt 
-byət,
also and especially before -ed or -ing -ˈtri-bət;
chiefly British also ˈkän-trə-ˌbyüt
contributed; contributing; contributes
1
transitive + intransitive
: to give or supply (something, such as money or time) as a part or share
contribute money to a cause
contributed canned goods to the food drive
What percentage of your pay should you contribute to your 401(k)?
We'd like to thank all who contributed their time and effort.
I'm happy to attend, but I don't have much to contribute to the discussion.
Many people contributed to the fund-raising campaign.
If you are a parent, success is probably defined by how well your children turned out. Are they happy, successful adults? Do they contribute to society in a positive way?—
Bill Nordbrock
Bill Nordbrock2
transitive + intransitive
: to supply (something, such as an article) for a publication
He contributed several poems to the magazine.
The following authors contributed to this issue: …
3
intransitive
: to play a significant part in making something happen
Many players have contributed to the team's success.
"We cannot address climate change without looking at all the components that are contributing to the problem of emissions."—Tony de Brum
Tony de BrumExamples of contribute in a Sentence
The volunteers contributed their time towards cleaning up the city.
We're trying to raise money for a new school, and we're hoping that everyone will contribute.
He did not contribute to the project.
In order for the team to win, everyone has to contribute.
He contributed many poems to the magazine.
Ten scientists contributed to the special edition of the journal.
Recent Examples on the Web
Nadeen Ebrahim, Allegra Goodwin and Frankie Vetch contributed to this story.
—Mostafa Salem, CNN, 9 Mar. 2025
Providing Daily Exercise and Play Time Dr. Preston Turano, veterinarian and spokesperson at Felix Cat Insurance, told Newsweek that daily exercise and playtime are a very important part of contributing to your cat's physical and mental well-being.
—William Lambers, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2025
The sweeping nature of these cuts overlooks the nuances and complexities of how employees contribute to organizational goals.
—Sherzod Odilov, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
Information for this article was contributed by Jacques Billeaud, John Seewer and Carla Johnson of The Associated Press.
—arkansasonline.com, 9 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contribute
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Mostafa Salem, CNN, 9 Mar. 2025
Providing Daily Exercise and Play Time Dr. Preston Turano, veterinarian and spokesperson at Felix Cat Insurance, told Newsweek that daily exercise and playtime are a very important part of contributing to your cat's physical and mental well-being.
—William Lambers, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2025
The sweeping nature of these cuts overlooks the nuances and complexities of how employees contribute to organizational goals.
—Sherzod Odilov, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
Information for this article was contributed by Jacques Billeaud, John Seewer and Carla Johnson of The Associated Press.
—arkansasonline.com, 9 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contribute
Cite this Entry
“Contribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contribute. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
contribute
verb
con·trib·ute
kən-ˈtrib-yət
-(ˌ)yüt
contributed; contributing
1
: to give along with others
contribute money to a cause
2
: to have a part in bringing about something
everybody contributed to the success of the show
3
: to submit articles to a publication
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