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

Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness (chicken breasts are safely cooked when the thickest part reaches 165°F), and let the meat rest before slicing so the juices redistribute. — Devra Ferst, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026

People-search sites and data brokers ingest, enrich and redistribute the information. — Control Risks, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Ignoring that the luxury taxes are paid back to the league and redistributed to small market teams. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026

One way in which Wounaan do so is conscientiously sharing and redistributing food, money, wisdom and the like to foster equity. — Chenier Carpio Opua, The Conversation, 5 Aug. 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