redistribute

verb

re·​dis·​trib·​ute ˌrē-də-ˈstri-ˌbyüt How to pronounce redistribute (audio)
also -byət
redistributed; redistributing; redistributes
Synonyms of redistributenext

transitive verb

1
: to alter the distribution of : reallocate
2
: to spread to other areas
redistribution
(ˌ)rē-ˌdi-strə-ˈbyü-shən How to pronounce redistribute (audio)
noun
redistributional
(ˌ)rē-ˌdi-strə-ˈbyü-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce redistribute (audio)
adjective
redistributive
ˌrē-də-ˈstri-byü-tiv How to pronounce redistribute (audio)
-byə-
adjective

Examples of redistribute in a Sentence

Unused federal funds will be redistributed to other states. The government redistributed the land to the settlers.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Storing the jar upside down before refrigerating can also help redistribute the oils more evenly. — Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 1 July 2026 The air there is also extremely dry, which matters because water vapor normally helps absorb and redistribute heat. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 1 July 2026 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. — Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 1 July 2026 Formally tracking the amount of care work that is done in the workplace and who is doing it exactly can make the invisible labor more visible, and help to redistribute the work across gender. — Holly Corbett, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for redistribute

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of redistribute was in 1611

Rhymes for redistribute

See All Rhymes for redistribute

Browse Nearby Words

redistill
redistribute
redistributionist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Redistribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/redistribute. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

redistribute

verb
re·​dis·​trib·​ute ˌrē-də-ˈstrib-yət How to pronounce redistribute (audio)
1
: to change the distribution of
2
: to spread to other areas
redistribution
-ˌdis-trə-ˈbyü-shən How to pronounce redistribute (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on redistribute

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for redistribute

Nglish: Translation of redistribute for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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