trib·ute

/ˈtrıˌbjuːt/ noun, pl -utes

1 [count] : something that you say, give, or do to show respect or affection for someone

The concert was a tribute to the musician.

Yellow ribbons were tied on trees as a tribute to the soldiers at war.

floral tributes [=flowers that people send to a funeral or leave at a grave]

a tribute album [=a recording of a set of songs that another musician or musical group is known for performing]

an event at which artists and musicians paid tribute to the famous composer

2 [singular] : something that proves the good quality or effectiveness of something

— + to

The pyramids are a tribute to Egyptian ingenuity.

It's a tribute to her skills as a writer that she can make such a convincing case so efficiently.

3 : money or goods that a ruler or country gives to another ruler or country especially for protection

[noncount]

The country was forced to pay tribute.

[count]

The ruler paid a tribute every year.