noun

distribution

dis-trih-BYOO-shun/ˌdɪstrɪˈbjuːʃn/

The spreading of something among positions or recipients.

A volunteer handles the distribution of food parcels to waiting recipients.

A volunteer deals out identical food parcels from a full crate to a short line of recipients.

Etymology

disLatinindividually

+tributLatinto assign, grant, allot

+ionLatinaction or process

Individual allotment supplies the central image: dividing something into portions and parceling them out. The meaning broadened from allocation to spreading things out, including over a surface.

In context

The Factoran23:05

Automated spreading systems regulate both flow rate and material density, ensuring even distribution in both thickness and [music] weight.

How Wood Products Are Made Inside Massive Factory: Plywood, Particle Board, Laminate Flooring

More examples

We organize the distribution of winter coats to local families.
The map shows the distribution of trees across the park.
The two classes have similar distributions of test scores.

Forms

distribution · distributions

distribute verb — To give out or spread among recipients.

distributor noun — A person or company that supplies goods.

Similar words

allocation: Emphasizes assigning specific shares rather than their overall spread.
dispersal: Emphasizes scattering over an area rather than supplying recipients.