1.
1 : to divide among several or many : apportion distribute expenses distributes toys to needy children
2 : to spread out so as to cover something : scatter evenly distribute the seeds
3 : to give out or deliver especially to members of a group

distribute newspapers distribute leaflets distribute a TV show to local stations
4 : to place or position so as to be properly apportioned over or throughout an area

200 pounds distributed on a 6-foot frame distribute the frosting around the top and sides of the cake
5 : to use (a term) so as to convey information about every member of the class named

The proposition 'all men are mortal' distributes 'man' but not 'mortal.'
6 : to divide or separate especially into kinds

distributing specimens into their proper classes
7 : to return the units of (something, such as typeset matter) to storage
8 : to use in or as an operation so as to be mathematically distributive (see distributive sense 3a)

Addition is not distributed over multiplication.
9 : to be mathematically distributive

multiplication distributes over addition
10 : to give or deliver (something) to people
11 : to deliver (something) to a store or business
12 : to divide (something) among the members of a group
13 : to give out to or deliver to

They distribute paychecks on Friday.
14 : to divide among many or several

The money was distributed among the poor.
15 : to spread out so as to cover something

Make sure the paint is distributed evenly.
16 : to divide among several or many : apportion
17 : to give out or deliver especially to members of a group — see also dividend