/ ˌkɒntrɪˈbjuːʃn; NAmE ˌkɑːn-/ noun contribution (to sth) | contribution (toward(s) sth / doing sth)
1.
[ C ] a sum of money that is given to a person or an organization in order to help pay for sth
SYN donation :
to make a contribution to charity
a substantial contribution
All contributions will be gratefully received.
valuable contributions towards the upkeep of the cathedral
2.
[ C ] a sum of money that you pay regularly to your employer or the government in order to pay for benefits such as health insurance, a pension, etc. :
monthly contributions to the pension scheme
3.
[ C , usually sing. ] an action or a service that helps to cause or increase sth :
He made a very positive contribution to the success of the project.
These measures would make a valuable contribution towards reducing industrial accidents.
the car's contribution to the greenhouse effect
4.
[ C ] an item that forms part of a book, magazine, broadcast, discussion, etc. :
an important contribution to the debate
All contributions for the May issue must be received by Friday.
5.
[ U ] the act of giving sth, especially money, to help a person or an organization :
We rely entirely on voluntary contribution.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (denoting a tax or levy): from late Latin contributio(n-) , from Latin contribuere bring together, add, from con- with + tribuere bestow.