contributor

noun

con·​trib·​u·​tor kən-ˈtri-byə-tər 

-bə-,

-ˌbyü-

: someone or something that contributes something or that contributes to something

charitable contributors

… have suggested that the fee would hurt the agriculture industry, a sector they claim is the largest contributor to the state economy.

—Wenonah Hauter

… was illustrated by Oliver Munday, a frequent contributor to the Book Review …

—John Williams

These particles, which are known as black carbon and are the major component of soot, are the second most important contributor to global warming, behind only carbon dioxide, wrote the 31 authors of the study …

—Elisabeth Rosenthal

Examples of contributor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Environmental factors are another significant contributor, impacting people of all ages. —Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 30 Dec. 2024

Gil Press has covered emerging technologies, startups and all things data as a Forbes contributor since 2012. —Gil Press, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024

That way, the 32-year-old could compete in the playoffs for the first time in his lengthy NHL career and bank on potting a few timely goals as a contributor on a long run. —Daniel Nugent-Bowman, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024

In December 2022, when Texas experienced a significant outbreak, oysters were identified as a major contributor. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 30 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English contributour "person who pays a tax or assessment," borrowed from Anglo-French, "one who pays a share of a tax or fine," from Latin contribūt-, past participle stem of Latin contribuere "to give as a portion or share" + -our -or entry 1 — more at contribute

First Known Use

circa 1531, in the meaning defined above