redistribute
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to distribute again or anew.
The corporation will redistribute its share of the profits to its stockholders.
-
to alter the distribution of; apportion differently.
Let's redistribute the work more fairly.
verb
Other Word Forms
- redistributive adjective
Etymology
Origin of redistribute
First recorded in 1605–15; re- + distribute
Explanation
Redistribute is a verb that means to distribute something again. If one poker player gets too many cards and another gets too few, the dealer should probably shuffle again and redistribute the cards evenly. You may recall the story of Robin Hood, who took it upon himself to "redistribute the wealth" by stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. Well, in conversations about contemporary economics the word redistribute is often used to complain about taxes, which are often higher for people who have more money.
Vocabulary lists containing redistribute
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The force said the group had been preparing to steal goods from major supermarkets and redistribute them elsewhere.
From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026
This movement into lower soil layers is linked not only to the decomposition of organic material but also to biological activity, such as organisms that help break down leaves and redistribute particles.
From Science Daily • Mar. 23, 2026
The duo are combining this with new tax exemptions for lower-wage workers plus increased refundable tax credits to redistribute more income.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026
The juices redistribute, and the loaf settles into its final form.
From Salon • Mar. 11, 2026
Like the credit default swap, the CDO had been invented to redistribute the risk of corporate and government bond defaults and was now being rejiggered to disguise the risk of subprime mortgage loans.
From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
