1. a river or stream that flows into a larger river or lake

1. serving as a tributary; contributing to a larger whole
2. paying tribute to a ruler or state; subject
Usage: historical

Examples

• The Missouri River is the longest tributary of the Mississippi River.
• Several small tributaries feed into the main stream.
• The tributary nations were required to pay annual taxes to the empire.
• Tributary states maintained some autonomy while acknowledging foreign rule.
• The creek serves as a tributary to the larger watershed system.
• Ancient tributary kingdoms often retained their local customs.
• Engineers studied the tributary network to understand flood patterns.