Distributive/dɪˈstrɪbjətɪv/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Sharing Context Use 'distributive' when talking about dividing things fairly among people. The charity had a distributive role in the relief efforts. Pro Tip 2/3Equitable Division 'Distributive' implies that something is given out evenly or justly. Distributive methods were used to allocate the funds. Pro Tip 3/3Legal Usage 'Distributive' can be a legal term referring to estate division. The distributive laws ensured each heir received their portion.