Distribute

/dɪsˈtrɪb.juːt/

Meaning & Definition

verb
to give out or to spread across a group or area.
The volunteers will distribute food to families in need.
to divide and hand out in shares.
The teacher will distribute the test papers after the instructions.
to scatter or spread over an area.
The seeds were distributed evenly across the field.
to allocate or apportion resources.
The budget committee will distribute the funds among various departments.
to sell or promote products to stores or customers.
The company plans to distribute their new software through various online platforms.

Etymology

From Latin 'distributus', the past participle of 'distribuere', meaning to divide or share out.

Common Phrases and Expressions

distribute wealth:
The term refers to the economic distribution of resources among the population.
distribute the load:
To share the weight or responsibility across multiple entities.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

To share something informally or at a gathering.
We're gonna distribute some pizza at the party.
To get rid of something by giving it away.
He decided to distribute his old clothes to charity.