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Definition of distribute

distribute

/dɪˈstrɪbjuːt/
dis · trib · ute
Adverb:distributively
•
Adjective:distributive
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Past Simple:distributed
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Past Participle:distributed
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Present Participle:distributing
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distribute Lexical Profile

distribute Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To give shares of something or hand items out to a number of recipients.

Example

"Volunteers gathered at the community center to distribute warm coats and blankets to local families."

2

To spread or scatter something throughout an area or space.

Example

"Make sure to distribute the weight evenly across both shoulders when packing your hiking backpack."

3

To supply and deliver goods to retail stores and businesses for sale to consumers.

Example

"The publishing house signed an agreement to distribute the independent author's books to bookstores nationwide."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for distribute

• Nearby Words

distressing
distressingly
distributable
distribute
distributed
distribution
distributive

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 14th century from Latin 'distributus', the past participle of 'distribuere' ('to divide, deal out in portions'), formed from 'dis-' ('apart') and 'tribuere' ('to assign, allot, or pay').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Distribute. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/distribute
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