tribune: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, historical, literary, journalistic. Uncommon in everyday conversation.
Quick answer
What does “tribune” mean?
An official in ancient Rome who represented the interests of the common people, or a modern leader who champions popular rights.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An official in ancient Rome who represented the interests of the common people, or a modern leader who champions popular rights; a raised platform for a speaker.
In journalism, a newspaper or magazine that strongly promotes a particular point of view or the voice of a specific group (e.g., "a liberal tribune"). In architecture, a raised platform or dais. Historically, a military officer's title.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical and equally formal/historical in both variants. The journalistic sense ('a tribune of socialist thought') is slightly more common in UK political commentary.
Connotations
Similar connotations of historical authority and populist advocacy in both variants.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general use. More likely encountered in historical texts, political analysis, or high-register journalism than in speech.
Grammar
How to Use “tribune” in a Sentence
[verb] as a tribune (He acted as a tribune for the disenfranchised.)[be] a tribune of [noun] (She was seen as a tribune of liberal values.)[noun] tribune (the people's tribune)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tribune” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The radical MP was hailed as a tribune for the working classes.
- The orator stepped up to the wooden tribune.
American English
- The senator positioned himself as a tribune of the common man against Wall Street.
- The candidate spoke from a makeshift tribune in the town square.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Common in historical, classical studies, and political science contexts to refer to the Roman office or figuratively to populist leaders.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used metaphorically in high-level political discussion.
Technical
In architecture, can refer to a gallery or platform in a church (e.g., a 'tribune gallery').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tribune”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tribune”
- Using it as a synonym for any 'newspaper' (it must imply advocacy).
- Pronouncing it as /traɪˈbjuːn/.
- Confusing 'tribune' with 'tribunal' (a court/board).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a high-register, formal word used primarily in historical, political, or literary contexts.
Not exactly. It means a newspaper that serves as a vocal platform for a specific cause or viewpoint (e.g., 'The paper was founded as a tribune for trade unionism').
A 'tribune' specifically implies a leader who protects, represents, and gives voice to a group (often the common people) against a more powerful entity. It carries a stronger connotation of advocacy and representation than the neutral 'leader'.
It refers to a raised stand for a speaker, often in a formal or large setting like a hall, church, or assembly. It is less common than 'podium' or 'rostrum' but is used, especially in architectural descriptions.
An official in ancient Rome who represented the interests of the common people, or a modern leader who champions popular rights.
Tribune is usually formal, historical, literary, journalistic. uncommon in everyday conversation. in register.
Tribune: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtrɪbjuːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtrɪbjuːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A tribune of the people”
- “To play the tribune”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a TRIbe fighting for its rights, led by a UNique spokesperson on a high platform – a TRI(bune).
Conceptual Metaphor
A VOICE IS A PLATFORM / LEADERSHIP IS ELEVATION (the tribune stands above/for the people).
Practice
Quiz
In its original Roman context, a 'tribune' was primarily: