dispensed; dispensing
Definition of dispense
1a
: to divide and share out according to a plan : to deal out in portions
dispense food among the needy
b
: administer
dispense justice
2
: to exempt from a law or release from a vow, oath, or impediment : to give dispensation (see dispensation sense 2a) to : exempt
may dispense students from this requirement
3
: to prepare and distribute (medication)
dispensing pills to their patients
archaic
: to grant dispensation
dispense with
1
: to set aside : discard
dispensing with the usual introduction
2
: to do without
could dispense with such a large staff
Test Your Vocabulary
Eponyms: Words Named After People
-
- What is the best definition of boycott?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share dispense
Time Traveler for dispense
The first known use of dispense was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century