distribute

4 definitions • 9 examples

to give something out to several people, or to spread or supply something:

distribute something to someone/something Several people were arrested for distributing racist leaflets to the spectators.

The books will be distributed free to local schools.

distribute something throughout something The company aims eventually to distribute (= supply for sale) its products throughout China.

to divide something among several or many people, or to spread or scatter something over an area:

Food and clothing are being distributed among/to the flood victims.

Shopping malls are widely distributed across the country.

to give something to a large number of people, for example a share of a company's profits to shareholders:

distribute sth to sb Operating expenses are first paid from the fund's assets before any earnings are distributed to shareholders.

distribute sth among sb $80 million dollars were due to be distributed among the firm's creditors.

to make a company's goods available to the public, for example, by transporting, storing, and selling them:

As small American companies generate more sales overseas, the infrastructure for selling and distributing U.S. products will continue to improve.

distribute to sb The Scottish company aims to be distributing to retailers within the US and Canada by next year.