Distribution — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌdi-strə-ˈbyü-shən/ dis·tri·bu·tion

Meaning & Definition of Distribution

Distribution (noun)

  1. the act or process of distributing
  2. the act or process of apportioning by a court the personal property of an intestate
  3. the position, arrangement, or frequency of occurrence (as of the members of a group) over an area or throughout a space or unit of time

Distribution (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the act or process of giving out something to each member of a group

    "aid workers oversaw the distribution of supplies to the flood victims"

    similar: admeasurement, allocation, allotment, apportionment, disbursement, dispensation, division, issuance
    related: reallocation, reapportionment, redistribution, redivision, repartition, partition, separation

  2. the way objects in space or events in time are arranged or follow one another

    "the distribution of those stars has long suggested the form of a dipper"

    similar: arrangement, array, disposal, disposition, order, ordering, sequence, setup
    related: continuity, precedence, priority, chain, procession, progression, succession, series, aligning, alignment, lining up, design, layout, pattern, structure, system
    near: confusion, disorder, disorganization, disruption, upset, disconnection, disjointedness

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Distribution

The most common words with a similar meaning to Distribution:

admeasurement, allocation, allotment, apportionment, disbursement, dispensation, division, issuance, arrangement, array, disposal, disposition, order, ordering, sequence, setup

Related Words for Distribution

reallocation, reapportionment, redistribution, redivision, repartition, partition, separation, continuity, precedence, priority, chain, procession, progression, succession, series, aligning, alignment, lining up, design, layout, pattern, structure, system

Near Antonyms of Distribution

confusion, disorder, disorganization, disruption, upset, disconnection, disjointedness

Word Forms of Distribution

Derived words: distributional (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Distribution

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Distribution

Words & Phrases Containing Distribution

distribution function, binomial distribution, chi-square distribution, cumulative distribution function, F distribution, frequency distribution, Gaussian distribution, hypergeometric distribution, normal distribution

Frequently Asked Questions about Distribution

What does "Distribution" mean?

"Distribution" means the act or process of distributing. As a noun, it is defined as: the act or process of distributing. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Distribution"?

Other words for "Distribution" include admeasurement, allocation, allotment, apportionment, disbursement, dispensation, division and issuance. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Distribution" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Distribution"?

There are 39 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Distribution". Common alternatives include admeasurement, allocation, allotment, apportionment, disbursement, dispensation, division, issuance, arrangement and array.

How do you use "Distribution" in a sentence?

Examples of "Distribution" in a sentence: "aid workers oversaw the distribution of supplies to the flood victims"; "the distribution of those stars has long suggested the form of a dipper".

Is "Distribution" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Distribution" is a noun.

Is "Distribution" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Distribution" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Distribution"?

"Distribution" is pronounced /ˌdi-strə-ˈbyü-shən/ and divided into syllables as dis·tri·bu·tion.

What is the origin of the word "Distribution"?

First known use: 14th century.