distribute
verb (used with object)
to divide and give out in shares; deal out; allot.
were distributing
-
past progressiveof distribute.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Nearby, crowds huddled in thin strips of shade outside pavilions, gulping free bottles of water that workers were distributing throughout the event.
From Barron's ● Jul. 3, 2026
He and his girlfriend, Iris Amador-Garcia, were distributing in other regions across the nation.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 29, 2023
As a fire in Rhodes continued to burn in the island’s southeast, airlines were able to ferry some travelers away from the island’s airport, where the authorities were distributing water and snacks to passengers.
From New York Times ● Jul. 24, 2023
Meanwhile the UN's humanitarian agencies said they were distributing food and medicine to the worst affected communities in western Nepal.
From BBC ● Oct. 12, 2022
“Scores,” the Director repeated and flung out his arms, as though he were distributing largesse.
From "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley
