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

• assort
• break down
• categorize
• class
• classify
• codify
• compartment
• compartmentalize
• digest
• distinguish
• grade
• group
• peg
• place
• range
• rank
• relegate
• separate
• sort
• type

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

Police said he was charged with assault on a police officer, carrying a firearm without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm and ammunition, and possession with intent to distribute drugs. —Peter Hermann, Washington Post, 3 Apr. 2024

Joi Dickerson-Neal accused Combs in a suit of drugging and raping her in 1991, recording the attack and then distributing the footage without her consent. —Nardine Saad, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2024

According to a 2018 press release issued by the Kanawha County Sheriff's Office, Carpenter-Bearse was charged last year with distributing obscene materials to a minor. —Laura Lane, Peoplemag, 2 Apr. 2024

The grants — which were funded by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife and distributed by the Center for Tech and Civic Life — went to more than 200 communities in Wisconsin, including Republican areas. —Journal Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2024

Newly flush, the pair appeared keen to distribute the funds quickly, emails show. —Hugo Miller, Fortune Europe, 2 Apr. 2024

Visitors would be able to travel among all five countries on a single visa, helping better distribute the benefits of tourism throughout the region. —Alex Postman, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Apr. 2024

Thousands of wallet-sized copies were distributed to American soldiers during World War II. —John Blake, CNN, 31 Mar. 2024

The all-in-one smart TV features an IQ Processor that powers and enhances picture performance, a Full Array LED Backlight that distributes LEDs evenly for light uniformity and superior picture and Active Pixel Tuning that automatically adapts picture for richer contrasts and color accuracy. —Anna Tingley, Variety, 22 Mar. 2024

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

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