contribution Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the part played by a person in bringing about a result
    part; share.
    • I am proud of my contribution in advancing the project
    • they all did their share of the work
  2. noun a voluntary gift (as of money or service or ideas) made to some worthwhile cause
    donation.
  3. noun act of giving in common with others for a common purpose especially to a charity
    donation.
  4. noun an amount of money contributed
    • he expected his contribution to be repaid with interest
  5. noun a writing for publication especially one of a collection of writings as an article or story

WordNet

Con`tri*bu"tion noun
Etymology
L. contributio: cf. F. contribution.
Definitions
  1. The act of contributing.
  2. That which is contributed; -- either the portion which an individual furnishes to the common stock, or the whole which is formed by the gifts of individuals.
    A certain contribution for the poor saints which are at jerusalem. Rom. xv. 26.
    Aristotle's actual contributions to the physical sciences. Whewell.
  3. (Mil.) An irregular and arbitrary imposition or tax leved on the people of a town or country.
    These sums, . . . and the forced contributions paid by luckless peasants, enabled him to keep his straggling troops together. Motley.
  4. (Law) Payment, by each of several jointly liable, of a share in a loss suffered or an amount paid by one of their number for the common benefit.

Webster 1913