redistribute

verb

re·​dis·​trib·​ute ˌrē-də-ˈstri-ˌbyüt 

also -byət

redistributed; redistributing; redistributes

transitive verb

1

: to alter the distribution of : reallocate

2

: to spread to other areas

redistribution

(ˌ)rē-ˌdi-strə-ˈbyü-shən 

noun

redistributional

(ˌ)rē-ˌdi-strə-ˈbyü-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

redistributive

ˌrē-də-ˈstri-byü-tiv 

-byə-

adjective

Examples of redistribute in a Sentence

Unused federal funds will be redistributed to other states.

The government redistributed the land to the settlers.

Recent Examples on the Web

Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. — Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 11 July 2026

Resting meat after cooking allows fibers to relax, redistributing and reabsorbing juices for a more flavorful bite. — Wini Moranville, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 July 2026

State power is used to redistribute wealth from the broader population to whichever groups are organized and connected enough to steer it in their own favor. — Connor Okeeffe, Oc Register, 9 July 2026

If tuition remains unchanged while borrowing limits tighten, the reforms won't have reduced the cost of higher education—they'll simply have redistributed who bears it. — Richard Fowler, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for redistribute

• contribute
• distribute
• tribute

Kids Definition

redistribute

verb

re·​dis·​trib·​ute ˌrē-də-ˈstrib-yət 

1

: to change the distribution of

2

: to spread to other areas

redistribution

-ˌdis-trə-ˈbyü-shən 

noun