Meaning of the word tributary in English

What does tributary mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

tributary

US /ˈtrɪb.jə.ter.i/

UK /ˈtrɪb.jə.ter.i/

a river or stream flowing into a larger river or lake

Example:

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The Amazon River has many large tributaries.

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This small stream is a tributary of the main river.

Synonym:

affluent branch feeder fork offshoot

paying tribute to another state or ruler

Example:

•

The smaller kingdom became tributary to the powerful empire.

•

The conquered people were forced to pay tributary taxes.

Synonym:

subordinate vassal dependent subject

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