distributes; distributed; distributing
1
a
: to give or deliver (something) to people
She distributes [=hands out] the paychecks every week.
—usually + toHe'd been hired to distribute leaflets to people who passed by.
The organization distributes food and clothing to needy families.
b
: to deliver (something) to a store or business
—usually + to
The trucking company distributes goods to stores throughout the state.
One million copies of the CD were distributed to stores.
2
: to divide (something) among the members of a group
—usually + between or among —often used as (be/get) distributed
The profits are evenly distributed between them.
The work for the project gets distributed among the editors.
3
: to spread or place (something) over an area
The machine distributes [=scatters] the seeds evenly on the ground.
—often used as (be/get) distributedMake sure the paint is distributed evenly over the surface area.
—often used figurativelyThe player's 200 pounds are evenly distributed over his six-foot frame.
The plant is widely distributed throughout the world. [=the plant grows throughout the world]
Cite this Entry
“Distribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/distribute. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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