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

Since 2021, nearly 50 North Carolina hospitals and the state’s health department have begun distributing the wristbands, to give mothers and care providers a visual reminder of the life-threatening health risks after birth. — Andrew Jones, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026

The company said its network reaches more than 700 million viewers in India and is distributed in over 150 countries. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026

Foundations are required to distribute at least 5 percent of their assets annually, a rule created precisely to prevent charitable vehicles from becoming indefinite tax shelters. — Nick Allardice, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026

Relief workers have begun distributing rice, ready-to-eat meals, drinking water, blankets and medicine, while emergency shelters were being set up for displaced residents. — ABC News, 15 Aug. 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