# tribune

/ˈtɹɪbjun/ (US) · /tɹˈɪbjuːn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tribune
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. Roman official

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

an official in Ancient Rome who was chosen to protect the rights of ordinary people.

For teachers: an officer in Ancient Rome, specifically a 'tribunus plebis' elected to protect the interests and rights of the plebeians from the patricians.

- In Ancient Rome, a tribune had the power to stop laws that hurt the poor.
- The tribune exercised his right of veto to block the senate's decree, effectively shielding the common citizens from the proposed tax increase.

Usage: Often used in historical contexts regarding the Roman Republic.

### 2. public advocate

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary · Formal

a person who speaks up for the rights of the public or a specific group.

For teachers: a person who upholds or defends the rights of the people; a popular leader or orator acting as a public champion.

- The journalist was seen as a tribune for the working class.
- Throughout his political career, he styled himself as a tribune of the people, using his oratorical skills to challenge the established elite.

Teaching tip: This sense is often found in the names of newspapers, such as the Chicago Tribune.

### 3. raised platform

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a raised area or platform in a large building where people can speak or sit.

For teachers: a raised platform or gallery, or the vaulted apse in a basilica or church where the bishop's throne was traditionally placed.

- The speaker stood on the tribune to address the crowd in the hall.
- The architect designed a marble tribune at the far end of the hall to serve as a focal point for official ceremonies.

## Examples

- The newspaper acted as a tribune for the local community.
- Throughout his political career, he styled himself as a tribune of the working class, fighting for fair wages.
- The editorial board viewed the publication not merely as a source of news, but as a fearless tribune dedicated to exposing corruption within the municipal government.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.