1. To divide and dispense in portions.
2. 1. To supply (goods) to retailers.
   2. To deliver or pass out: distributing handbills on the street.
   3. To spread or diffuse over an area; scatter: distribute grass seed over the lawn.
   4. To apportion so as to be evenly spread throughout a given area: 180 pounds of muscle that were well distributed over his 6-foot frame.
3. 1. To spread or diffuse over an area; scatter: distribute grass seed over the lawn.
   2. To apportion so as to be evenly spread throughout a given area: 180 pounds of muscle that were well distributed over his 6-foot frame.
4. To separate into categories; classify.
5. Logic To use (a term) so as to include all individuals or entities of a given class.

Synonyms: These verbs mean to give out in portions or shares. Distribute is the least specific: The government distributed land to settlers.
Divide implies giving out portions, often equal, on the basis of a plan or purpose: The estate will be divided among the heirs.
Dispense stresses the careful determination of portions, often according to measurement or weight: The pharmacist dispensed the medication.
Dole, often followed by out, implies careful, usually sparing measurement of portions. It can refer to the distribution of charity: The city doled out surplus milk to the needy.
It can also suggest lack of generosity: The professor doled out meager praise to the students.
Deal implies orderly, equitable distribution, often piece by piece: I dealt five cards to each player.
Ration refers to equitable division in limited portions of scarce, often necessary, items: The government rationed fuel during the war.