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distribute

verb
dis·​trib·​ute | \ di-ˈstri-byüt How to pronounce distribute (audio) also -byət How to pronounce distribute (audio) , British also ˈdi-stri-ˌbyüt\
distributed; distributing

Definition of distribute

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 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."
3a : 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
Other Words from distribute Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about distribute

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Other Words from distribute

distributee \ dis-​ˌtri-​byü-​ˈtē How to pronounce distributee (audio) \ noun

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

 The Business Roundtable recently distributed a statement of purpose that lists social responsibility ahead of shareholder value. — Adam Lashinsky, Fortune, "Can AT&T Do Good and Reward Shareholders?—Data Sheet," 10 Sep. 2019 His criminal history includes a 1985 conviction for manslaughter with the use of a handgun, a 1987 conviction for possession of heroin with intent to distribute, and four counts of robbery in the 1990s. — Sarah Horner, Twin Cities, "Man with lengthy criminal history charged with holding up Little Canada bank at gunpoint," 9 Sep. 2019 How will Derek Carr distribute passes to a new set of skill players? — Matt Kawahara, SFChronicle.com, "Raiders’ offense forced to adjust for season opener without Antonio Brown," 8 Sep. 2019 True, not all company earnings are distributed to shareholders in dividends or buy-backs; some are used to pay for investment to generate future earnings growth. — The Economist, "Why yields are the best guide to future stockmarket returns," 7 Sep. 2019 Lionsgate will distribute the new picture, which pits its hero against a vicious Mexican cartel. — Ryan Faughnder, chicagotribune.com, "With ‘Terminator: Dark Fate’ and ‘Maleficent,’ Hollywood’s sequel game gets creative," 6 Sep. 2019 Plus, the oil gets evenly distributed over the lentils, making sure all bites are good bites. — Sarah Jampel, Bon Appétit, ""Infusing Oil" is a Fancy-Sounding Trick You Can Do Practically Any Time," 5 Sep. 2019 If someone illegally gave drugs to Skaggs, that person could be charged with drug trafficking, possession with intent to distribute or similar crimes. — Michael Mccann, SI.com, "Where the Tyler Skaggs Investigation Could Go From Here," 30 Aug. 2019 Last month, the owner of the donut shop, Victor Attisha, cut a deal in the case and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to manufacture and possession with intent to distribute marijuana. — Tresa Baldas, Detroit Free Press, "Armed bandits plant deadly bull's-eye on rural medical marijuana growers," 26 July 2019

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.

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First Known Use of distribute

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

History and Etymology for distribute

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

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More Definitions for distribute

distribute

verb
How to pronounce distribute (audio) How to pronounce distribute (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of distribute

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

See the full definition for distribute in the English Language Learners Dictionary

distribute

verb
dis·​trib·​ute | \ di-ˈstri-ˌbyüt How to pronounce di

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