distribute

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verb dis·trib·ute \di-ˈstri-byüt also -byət British also ˈdis-tri-ˌbyüt\

Definition of distribute

distributed

;

distributing

transitive verb
1 : to divide among several or many : apportion distribute expenses distributes toys to needy children
2a : to spread out so as to cover something : scatter evenly distribute the seedsb : to give out or deliver especially to members of a group distribute newspapers distribute leaflets distribute a TV show to local stationsc : 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 caked 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.”
3a : to divide or separate especially into kinds distributing specimens into their proper classesb : 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 3a) Addition is not distributed over multiplication.
intransitive verb
mathematics : to be mathematically distributive multiplication distributes over addition

distributee

play \dis-ˌtri-byü-ˈtē\ noun

See distribute defined for English-language learners

See distribute defined for kids

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 of distribute from the Web

The FDA approved new, more powerful opioids but did not demand further restrictions on how they were distributed.

— alana semuels, The Atlantic, "Are Pharmaceutical Companies to Blame for the Opioid Epidemic?", 2 June 2017
In the year ahead, the department has earmarked $27.7 million to distribute new bins, educate residents and pick up and transport materials.

— emily s. rueb, New York Times, "How New York Is Turning Food Waste Into Compost and Gas", 2 June 2017
Among those sentenced, 27-year-old Sean Michael Moser, of Elkins, West Virginia, faces more than 17 years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

— associated press, Washington Post, "12 sentenced to prison in West Virginia drug case", 1 June 2017
The Ducks have distributed the workload pretty evenly among all three pitchers this postseason, and each of the three has at least one win through the Regional and Super Regional rounds.

— stefanie loh, The Seattle Times, "UW Huskies open Women’s College World Series play hoping to take down another Pac-12 team", 31 May 2017
COPYRIGHT © 2017 BY AMY DICKINSON DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

— amy dickinson, chicagotribune.com, "Woman should exit from troubled relationship", 27 May 2017
The situation reports also suggest that TigerSwan attempted a counterinformation campaign by creating and distributing content critical of the protests on social media.

— alice speri, The Intercept, "Leaked Documents Reveal Counterterrorism Tactics Used at Standing Rock to “Defeat Pipeline Insurgencies”", 27 May 2017
Sentance said that no particular school district in Alabama was being questioned, but the overall way virtual education is delivered and how funding is distributed in Alabama needs clarification.

— trisha powell crain, AL.com, "Online public schools raising questions in Alabama", 26 May 2017
A better method would evenly distribute credit along the supply chain, so that each country’s trade balance depends on the value of its contributions.

— austin weinstein, Bloomberg.com, "Trump’s Fear of Trade Gaps Isn’t Really Necessary: QuickTake Q&A", 28 Feb. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'distribute'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of distribute

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

First Known Use: 15th century

Synonym Discussion of 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

DISTRIBUTE Defined for English Language Learners

distribute

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verb

Definition of distribute for English Language Learners

: to give or deliver (something) to people
: to deliver (something) to a store or business
: to divide (something) among the members of a group

DISTRIBUTE Defined for Kids

distribute

play

verb dis·trib·ute \di-ˈstri-ˌbyüt, -byət\

Definition of distribute for Students

distributed

;

distributing

1 : to give out to or deliver to They distribute paychecks on Friday.
2 : to divide among many or several The money was distributed among the poor.
3 : to spread out so as to cover something Make sure the paint is distributed evenly.