attributive

adjective

at·​trib·​u·​tive ə-ˈtri-byə-tiv 

1

: relating to or of the nature of an attribute : attributing

2

grammar : joined directly to a modified noun without a linking verb (such as city in city streets)

an attributive adjective

The "apple" of "apple pie" is not an adjective but an attributive noun.

attributive noun

attributively adverb

a noun being used attributively

Examples of attributive in a Sentence

“Red” in “red hair” is an attributive adjective.

In “airplane pilot” the noun “airplane” is attributive.

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

attributive

adjective

at·​trib·​u·​tive ə-ˈtrib-yət-iv 

: joined directly to a modified noun without a verb

"city" in "city streets" is attributive

compare predicate