Distribution
ˌdɪstrɪˈbjuːʃən
Definitions
3 meaningsThe act of giving something out or sharing something among a number of people or things; the way in which something is shared or spread out.
ˌdɪstrɪˈbjuːʃən
The act of sharing something among a number of recipients.
The government is responsible for the distribution of vaccines.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're sharing cookies with your friends. *Distribution* is how you split those cookies! It's about giving things to people.
👶 For kids: Giving things to different people or places.
More Examples
The teacher managed the distribution of the test papers.
The company's distribution network covers the entire country.
How It's Used
"The company handles the distribution of its products nationwide."
"Efficient distribution is critical to supply chain management."
"The probability distribution describes the likelihood of different outcomes."
The arrangement or spread of something over an area or among a group; the pattern of how something is scattered or shared.
ˌdɪstrɪˈbjuːʃən
The way in which something is spread out or arranged over a particular area or among a group of people.
The map illustrates the population distribution across the country.
💡 Simply: Imagine drawing dots on a map. *Distribution* is how those dots are spread out. Are they clumped together, or scattered far and wide?
👶 For kids: How things are spread out in a place.
More Examples
The uneven distribution of wealth is a major societal problem.
Scientists are studying the distribution of the disease.
How It's Used
"The data showed a normal distribution of scores."
"The distribution of rainfall varies across the region."
"The distribution of the species is limited to the tropical regions."
The act of giving goods or services to people or places.
ˌdɪstrɪˈbjuːʃən
The act of delivering goods or services to a specific place.
The company has a sophisticated distribution system.
💡 Simply: Imagine sending packages across the country. *Distribution* is all the steps involved in getting the packages where they need to go: from the warehouse to the customer's door.
👶 For kids: Delivering things to people.
More Examples
The distribution of goods was delayed due to the weather.
Efficient distribution is crucial for the success of any business.
How It's Used
"They have a wide distribution network for their products."
"The movie's distribution was handled by a major studio."
"The company focused on efficient distribution channels."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
distribution channel
A pathway through which goods or services are sold to customers.
"The company is exploring new distribution channels to reach a wider audience."
uneven distribution
An unequal or imbalanced sharing or allocation of something.
"The uneven distribution of resources led to significant disparities in the region."
From Latin *distributio* ('a dividing, allotting, or distribution'), from the verb *distribuere* ('to divide, apportion'), formed from *dis-* ('apart') + *tribuere* ('to assign, allot').
The word 'distribution' has been used in English since the 15th century, initially referring to the act of sharing or allocating something.
Memory tip
Think of the *distribution* of presents at Christmas—everyone gets some!
Word Origin
"a dividing, allotting, apportionment"