distribution
dis-tri-BYOO-shun
/ˌdɪstrɪˈbjuːʃən/
The action of sharing something out among a number of recipients; in business, the movement of goods from producer to consumer.
Focuses on the 'spreading out' or 'delivery' phase of the supply chain.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'distribuere', meaning to 'allot' or 'divide up' among tribes (tribus). It describes the process of taking a large pile and dividing it into smaller portions for many people.
Word relationships
- allocation: Allocation is the decision of how much each person gets; distribution is the physical act of giving it out.
- collection: The act of gathering things together in one place.
Commonly confused with
- logistics: Logistics is the overall planning; distribution is the specific act of delivering the goods.
Word family
- distribute (verb): To give out or deliver.
- distributor (noun): An agent or company that supplies goods to retailers.
Collocations
- distribution channel
- distribution center
- mass distribution
Example sentences
- "The distribution of wealth in the country has become increasingly unequal over the last decade." Economics
- "Our distribution network includes three regional hubs and fifty local spokes." Supply Chain
Memory hook
Think of a 'Tribute' being 'Dis'-persed (spread out) to different people. Spreading it out.
When not to use
Do not use when referring to the manufacturing process itself.
Fun facts
- The 'Last Mile' of distribution is often the most expensive and difficult part of the entire supply chain.
Related words
Explore more words
supply chain, distributive, Supply, allocation, disseminate, production
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