distribute

verb

dis·​trib·​ute di-ˈstri-byüt 

also

-byət 

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

dis-ˌtri-byü-ˈtē 

noun

Synonyms of distribute

• classify
• rank
• distinguish
• relegate

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

The 2026 Signature Event, won by Viktor Hovland, generated more than $5 million that will be distributed to 290 charities, record-setting highs for both categories. — From Staff Reports, Hartford Courant, 24 Sep. 2026

But attorney fees, payments to chief litigants and other expenses will be distributed first. — Dan Avery, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026

At the University of Southern Mississippi, staff and volunteers distributed more than 890 pounds of food, hygiene products and other items to 94 people who visited the Eagle’s Nest Food Pantry during the first week of classes in August. — ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026

Councilman Malcolm Graham, the District 2 leader who chairs the budget committee, said the grant will not be distributed until staff ensure CMS will spend it as intended. — Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 24 Sep. 2026

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

Rhymes for distribute

• contribute
• redistribute
• tribute

Kids Definition

distribute

verb

dis·​trib·​ute dis-ˈtrib-yət 

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 

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