What does tribune mean?
A tribune is someone who speaks for, protects, or fights for the rights and interests of a group, especially ordinary people. In modern figurative use, phrases such as “tribune of the people” suggest a forceful and principled defender, often someone prepared to challenge injustice or powerful authorities. The word also has a historical sense: in ancient Rome, a tribune was an official who represented the plebs, protected citizens from abuse by magistrates, and could intervene with a veto. A less common sense refers to a raised platform from which a public speaker addresses an audience. Although the modern word retains the grandeur and political authority of its Roman origin, it is generally treated as a formal, often complimentary term rather than everyday vocabulary.
nounA person who defends the rights or interests of others, especially a prominent champion of the people. Historically, a tribune was an official of the Roman plebs who protected citizens against magistrates and the patrician ruling class.
- A person who defends the rights, interests, or cause of a group, especially the people.
- A Roman magistrate who protected the plebs and had the power to veto actions by other magistrates.
- A raised platform from which a speaker addresses an audience.
"The advocate became a trusted tribune for workers' rights."
"The senator was widely regarded as a tribune of the poor."
"The Roman tribune interceded on behalf of citizens accused by the senate."
The standard plural of the noun is “tribunes.”
"The two tribunes spoke in support of the petition."
The original Roman tribune was a defender of ordinary citizens against powerful aristocrats—a role that still echoes whenever the word is used for a champion of the people.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tribune come from?
English “tribune” comes through Old French tribun from Latin tribunus, the title of a Roman official representing the plebs. The Latin term is associated with tribus, meaning “tribe,” reflecting the tribune's original role as an official of the Roman citizen tribes. Related English forms include “tribunal,” referring to a court or seat of judgment, and “tribunate,” referring to the office or system of Roman tribunes.
Related word forms
How tribune is actually used
The word is formal and often carries a strongly protective or heroic connotation. In modern usage, “tribune of the people” is especially common and usually implies someone who speaks or acts forcefully on behalf of ordinary people.
Easily confused with tribune
A tribune is a person who defends rights or represents a group, whereas a tribunal is a court or formal body that hears cases and administers justice.