distribution
Distribution (noun) means the act of spreading or handing something out. Example: “The charity is in charge of food distribution in the region.”
How to Use Distribution
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHow something is spread out or shared — whether goods, wealth, or data.
Word Forms
distributions plural
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The charity is in charge of food _____ in the region.
Etymology
From Latin distributio, "a dividing up," from the same root as distribute.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for distribution
See all rhymes for distribution →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “distribution” mean?
The word “distribution” means the act of spreading or handing something out. In plain terms, how something is spread out or shared — whether goods, wealth, or data.
How do you pronounce “distribution”?
“Distribution” is pronounced dihst-ruh-BYOO-shuhn (/ˌdɪstɹəˈbjuːʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “distribution” in a sentence?
Here is “distribution” used in a sentence: “The charity is in charge of food distribution in the region.”
What part of speech is “distribution”?
“Distribution” is a noun.
Where does the word “distribution” come from?
The word “distribution” comes from Latin. From Latin distributio, "a dividing up," from the same root as distribute.
Is “distribution” a common word?
“Distribution” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “distribution” have?
“Distribution” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of spreading or handing something out.
What is the difference between distribution and delivery?
Distribution is the broad process of spreading something out to many recipients or points, deciding who gets what and how it reaches them. Delivery is the narrower final act of physically bringing an item to one specific place or person. Distribution usually includes delivery as its last step, alongside planning, storage, and routing.
What are the types of distribution?
The word covers several fields. In business and logistics, distribution means moving goods from producers to sellers or customers. In statistics, a distribution shows how values are spread across a range. In everyday use, it simply means handing things out fairly. The common thread is dispersal, spreading something across people, places, or values.
What is an example of distribution?
Handing out leaflets on a street corner is a simple example, since copies are spread among many people. Other examples include a charity distributing food parcels, a company distributing products to shops, or profits being distributed among shareholders. In each case, one supply is divided and passed to multiple recipients.
Why is distribution important?
Without distribution, goods, information, or resources would stay in one place and reach no one. It is the link between producing something and putting it in people's hands. Efficient distribution decides whether products arrive on time, whether aid reaches those in need, and whether a message spreads widely or stalls.