verb (used with object), con·trib·ut·ed, con·trib·ut·ing.
- to give (money, time, knowledge, assistance, etc.) to a common supply, fund, etc., as for charitable purposes.
- to furnish (an original written work, drawing, etc.) for publication: to contribute stories to a magazine.
verb (used without object), con·trib·ut·ed, con·trib·ut·ing.
- to give (money, food, etc.) to a common supply, fund, etc.: He contributes to many charities.
- to furnish works for publication: He contributed to many magazines.
Idioms
- contribute to, to be an important factor in; help to cause: A sudden downpour contributed to the traffic jam.
verb (often foll by to)
- to give (support, money, etc) for a common purpose or fund
- to supply (ideas, opinions, etc) as part of a debate or discussion
- (intr) to be partly instrumental (in) or responsible (for)drink contributed to the accident
- to write (articles) for a publication
v.1520s, from Latin contributus, past participle of contribuere “to bring together, add, unite, collect, contribute” (see contribution). Figurative sense is from 1630s. Related: Contributed; contributing.