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
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
Officials have argued the government shutdown hinders the Department of Agriculture's ability to distribute additional dollars.
—
Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2025
Universal distributed the film, which cost $30 million.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 26 Oct. 2025
Payments are still distributed on a regular schedule during the shutdown.
—Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 26 Oct. 2025
Shoes in this collection feature the brand’s proprietary ProjectPlush support system, which is basically just a footbed that contours to the natural curvature of the feet, helping to distribute weight evenly and alleviate pressure points that could lead to soreness, calluses, and blisters.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distribute
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2025
Universal distributed the film, which cost $30 million.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 26 Oct. 2025
Payments are still distributed on a regular schedule during the shutdown.
—Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 26 Oct. 2025
Shoes in this collection feature the brand’s proprietary ProjectPlush support system, which is basically just a footbed that contours to the natural curvature of the feet, helping to distribute weight evenly and alleviate pressure points that could lead to soreness, calluses, and blisters.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distribute
Cite this Entry
“Distribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distribute. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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
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