distribution noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes | Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com

Definition of distribution noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

distribution

noun
 
/ˌdɪstrɪˈbjuːʃn/
 
/ˌdɪstrɪˈbjuːʃn/
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  1. [uncountable, countable] the way that something is spread or exists over a particular area or among a particular group of people
    • distribution of something They studied the geographical distribution of the disease.
    • a more equitable distribution of wealth
    • an unequal/uneven income distribution
    • the age distribution of the general population
    • distribution (of something) + adv./prep. The map shows the distribution of this species across the world.
    see also normal distribution
    Extra Examples
    • After applying the cream, comb through to ensure even distribution.
    • How do we explain the uneven distribution of expressions borrowed from other languages?
    • The relatively broad distribution within the Midwest suggests that the aphid may have been present for more than one year.
    • Animal herds may form in response to the distribution patterns of food.
    • Fish populations assume highly localized distributions within each river.
    • Radiology was used to determine the distribution of the disease.
    • The engine is mounted in the middle to achieve a more even weight distribution.
    • These birds have a wide geographical distribution.
    • a disparity in age distribution between groups
    • a normal distribution with a bell-shaped frequency curve
    • The frequency distribution of birthdates by month among these patients was not what we expected.
    • The probability distribution curve shows the probability that the product will ship on such-and-such a date.
    • an atlas containing distribution maps of the most important tropical diseases
    • an equal distribution of wealth between people of different age groups
    • changes in the distribution of wealth and income
    • data on wealth distribution among age groups
    • the wider distribution of wealth throughout society
    • people at the low end of the distribution curve of intelligence
    • the broad distribution of Bronze Age artefacts across Europe
    • the distribution of resources across society
    • the distribution of the health budget between various hospitals
    • the distribution of trees over the estate
    • the general distribution of earthquakes around the world
    • the relative distribution of continents and oceans
    • the social class distribution of the male population
    • uniform distribution of the chemical throughout the timber
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • egalitarian
    • equitable
    • fair
    verb + distribution
    • achieve
    • ensure
    • analyse/​analyze
    distribution + noun
    • pattern
    • map
    • curve
    preposition
    • distribution across
    • distribution among
    • distribution between
    phrases
    • a change in distribution
    See full entry
  2. [uncountable, countable] the act of giving or sharing something out among a number of people
    • distribution of something the distribution of food and medicines
    • distribution (of something) among somebody the distribution of profit among the partners
    • distribution (of something) among somebody When are distributions likely to be made to creditors?
    • for distribution (to/among somebody) The food was packed up for distribution to outlying communities.
    Extra Examples
    • to ensure the proper distribution of medical aid
    • She had it printed for distribution among her friends.
    • These laws regulate the legal distribution of narcotic drugs in Canada.
    • His estate was to be divided up for distribution among his creditors.
    • to allow for the distribution of aid
    • the distribution by the government of a leaflet explaining the new tax
    • The previously free distribution of textbooks will now be confined to students who are needy.
    • food for distribution among homeless people
    • free colour leaflets for distribution overseas
    • Our catalogue lists all our books that are available for general distribution.
    • 2 000 copies of the booklet have been printed and are available for distribution.
    • The promissory notes were purchased for distribution to investors.
    • The document contains sensitive information and is not suitable for free distribution.
    • These are company reserves available for distribution as the directors may determine.
    • Electronic media make the potential for information distribution possible on a scale never before achieved.
    • email distribution lists
    • I attach a copy of the distribution list so you can see who got the last edition.
    • the creation of 1 500 smallholdings as part of a land distribution programme
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • free
    • general
    • selective
    verb + distribution
    • control
    • handle
    • organize
    distribution + noun
    • agreement
    • arrangement
    • deal
    preposition
    • for distribution
    • distribution among
    • distribution between
    phrases
    • a/​the chain of distribution
    • a channel of distribution
    See full entry
  3. [uncountable] (business) the system of transporting and delivering a product
    • They have systems in place for marketing, sales and distribution.
    • We focused on finding new distribution channels for our products.
    • The company's distribution network includes more than 1  200 retail outlets.
    • production and distribution systems
    • a distribution centre/depot/warehouse
    Extra Examples
    • The poor transport system means we have high distribution costs.
    • There will be increased efficiency in production, distribution and purchasing.
    • He worked in the milk distribution business.
    • European distribution is handled from our centre in the Netherlands.
    • the wholesale and retail distribution of a huge variety of goods
    • distribution through department stores
    • We have many distribution channels for our software, including electronic distribution.
    • We have a sales staff of more than 1 800 employees in 37 distribution centres.
    • The movie got a worldwide distribution deal.
    • The company wants to invest in new distribution facilities.
    • The company has decided to use Belfast as its distribution base.
    • The company has distribution operations in 33 countries worldwide.
    • The company is to handle the distribution of the product in Europe.
    • Roads are used for local distribution of goods.
    • Her company has signed a non-exclusive distribution agreement.
    • There are more firearms in the distribution pipeline than most people realize.
    • There are savings to be made by bypassing retailers in the chain of distribution.
    • The internet is our distribution platform now.
    • the electronic distribution of software to customers
    • The publisher has signed an agreement for the exclusive distribution of the books in the US.
    • worldwide distribution systems
    Topics Businessb2
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • free
    • general
    • selective
    verb + distribution
    • control
    • handle
    • organize
    distribution + noun
    • agreement
    • arrangement
    • deal
    preposition
    • for distribution
    • distribution among
    • distribution between
    phrases
    • a/​the chain of distribution
    • a channel of distribution
    See full entry
  4. Word Originlate Middle English: from Latin distributio(n-), from the verb distribuere, from dis- ‘apart’ + tribuere ‘assign’.
See distribution in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee distribution in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic English
aspiration
noun
 
 
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