distribute
verb
dis·trib·ute
di-ˈstri-byüt 
also
-byət
British also ˈdi-stri-ˌbyüt
distributed; distributing
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.
mathematics
: to be mathematically distributive
multiplication distributes over addition
Synonyms
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
In New Jersey, rain is usually distributed evenly over the months, state climatologist Dave Robinson said.
—
Melissa Chan, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
The Trust distributed $274,212 to shareholders during the quarter, with a per-share distribution of $0.26.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 7 Nov. 2024
Mubi distributes the film throughout most of Europe and Latin America, while A24 distributes in the USA.
—Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
The stickers for the first-place winner in each of the three student age categories have been distributed to each county in Indiana, according to the Secretary of State’s office.
—Cheryl V. Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for distribute 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Melissa Chan, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
The Trust distributed $274,212 to shareholders during the quarter, with a per-share distribution of $0.26.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 7 Nov. 2024
Mubi distributes the film throughout most of Europe and Latin America, while A24 distributes in the USA.
—Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
The stickers for the first-place winner in each of the three student age categories have been distributed to each county in Indiana, according to the Secretary of State’s office.
—Cheryl V. Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for distribute
Dictionary Entries Near distribute
Cite this Entry
“Distribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distribute. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share