n.

1. 进贡；贡物，贡金[C][U]
   Many conquered nations had to pay tribute to the rulers of ancient Rome.

   许多被征服的国家要向古罗马的统治者纳贡。

2. 敬意，尊崇，称颂；礼物[C][U][（+to）]
   We must give tribute to all those who helped make this a free country.

   我们必须称颂那些为使这个国家成为自由之邦而出力的人。

3. 贡献；明证[S][（+to）]
   The new engine's performance is a tribute to the skill of its designers.

   这种新引擎的工作效能证明了设计者技艺高超。

4. 勒索的钱财[C][U]
   The brigands demanded tribute from passing vehicles.

   土匪向过往车辆勒索钱财。

n.

1. an act, statement, or gift intended to show gratitude, respect, or admiration.
   ▸something resulting from and indicating the worth of something else:

   his victory was a tribute to his persistence.
2. historical payment made periodically by one state or ruler to another, especially as a sign of dependence.
3. historical a proportion of ore or its equivalent, paid to a miner for work, or to the owner or lessor of a mine.