distribute

verb

dis·​trib·​ute di-ˈstri-byüt How to pronounce distribute (audio)
also
-byət How to pronounce distribute (audio)
 British also  ˈdi-stri-ˌbyüt
distributed; distributing

transitive verb

1
: to divide among several or many : apportion
distribute expenses
distributes toys to needy children
2
a
: to spread out so as to cover something : scatter
evenly distribute the seeds
b
: to give out or deliver especially to members of a group
distribute newspapers
distribute leaflets
distribute a TV show to local stations
c
: to place or position so as to be properly apportioned over or throughout an area
200 pounds distributed on a 6-foot frame
distribute the frosting around the top and sides of the cake
d
logic : to use (a term) so as to convey information about every member of the class named
The proposition "all men are mortal" distributes "man" but not "mortal."
3
a
: to divide or separate especially into kinds
distributing specimens into their proper classes
b
: to return the units of (something, such as typeset matter) to storage
4
mathematics : to use in or as an operation so as to be mathematically distributive (see distributive sense 3a)
Addition is not distributed over multiplication.

intransitive verb

mathematics : to be mathematically distributive
multiplication distributes over addition
distributee noun
Choose the Right Synonym for distribute

distribute, dispense, divide, deal, dole out mean to give out, usually in shares, to each member of a group.

distribute implies an apportioning by separation of something into parts, units, or amounts.

distributed food to the needy

dispense suggests the giving of a carefully weighed or measured portion to each of a group according to due or need.

dispensed wisdom to the students

divide stresses the separation of a whole into parts and implies that the parts are equal.

three charitable groups divided the proceeds

deal emphasizes the allotment of something piece by piece.

deal out equipment and supplies

dole out implies a carefully measured portion of something that is often in short supply.

doled out what little food there was

Examples of distribute in a Sentence

distribute the assignments according to seniority committed to distributing the school's limited scholarship money so that it benefits more students
Recent Examples on the Web Academy President Douglas Fairbanks distributed the awards. Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 10 Mar. 2024 With drip irrigation, water is distributed through a network of tubes, pipes and emitters placed near the base of plants. Kobi Bardugo, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2024 The aid will be distributed inside Gaza by the United Nations and other humanitarian personnel. Karen Deyoung, Washington Post, 9 Mar. 2024 The photo was obviously taken from a distance, and it was distributed by the celebrity news agency Backgrid. Anna Russell, The New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2024 So, as of Thursday, Apple is obliged to allow third-party app stores on iPhones—a shift that will allow developers to distribute apps without having to give Apple a fat cut of transactions conducted within them. David Meyer, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2024 Sprinkle mozzarella and feta cheeses over top and, using a fork, distribute the cheeses evenly into the egg mixture. Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 7 Mar. 2024 Kite handles many of the group’s tasks on her own, including running the organization’s Facebook page, distributing fliers and advocating for families. Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2024 The film was produced by Matt Damon (one of Whitesell's clients) and distributed by Bezos' Amazon. Alexia Fernández, Peoplemag, 6 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'distribute.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin distributus, past participle of distribuere, from dis- + tribuere to allot — more at tribute

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of distribute was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near distribute

Cite this Entry

“Distribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distribute. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

distribute

verb
dis·​trib·​ute dis-ˈtrib-yət How to pronounce distribute (audio)
distributed; distributing
1
: to divide among several or many
distributed the food to the needy
2
: to spread out so as to cover something : scatter
3
: to give out or deliver especially to members of a group
distribute the directions to the class
distribute newspapers
4
: to divide or separate especially into kinds

Legal Definition

distribute

transitive verb
dis·​trib·​ute di-ˈstri-byüt How to pronounce distribute (audio)
distributed; distributing
1
: to divide among several or many : apportion
2
: to give out or deliver especially to members of a group see also dividend

More from Merriam-Webster on distribute

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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