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
Beta Film has been distributing the series and last month tied up deals with Walter Presents for North America, the UK and Ireland, HBO Max for the CEE region, Arte for Germany and France, and Filmin for Spain and Portugal.
—
Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 28 Nov. 2024
The parish and its volunteers helped distribute hundreds of turkeys, with traditional Thanksgiving meal fixings, and winter clothing to members of the community in need.
—Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 28 Nov. 2024
On November 15, Los Angeles police distributed a poster about the disappearance, saying Hannah was last seen at the airport.
—Taylor Galgano, CNN, 28 Nov. 2024
However, a spokesperson for Universal Pictures, which distributed the film, has shot down the rumors, revealing that Grande and Erivo received the same pay.
—Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024
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Dictionary Entries Near distribute
Cite this Entry
“Distribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distribute. Accessed 11 Dec. 2024.
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
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