Dispensing: meaning, definitions and examples

Appropriate when a professional, usually in a medical or pharmaceutical context, is giving out medication or advice.

• The pharmacist was busy dispensing medication to the patients.
• The doctor is very careful when dispensing advice to her patients.

Common in contexts where items or resources are being given out to multiple people or locations.

• Volunteers are distributing food to the homeless.
• The company is distributing the new product to all its stores.

Used in a context where someone is officially managing or applying something, such as medications, treatments, or responsibilities.

• The nurse was responsible for administering the vaccines.
• The principal is administering the new policies efficiently.

Typically refers to formally giving out something official or important, like documents, warnings, or statements.

• The government is issuing new passports this month.
• The school is issuing a warning to all parents about the recent incidents.

Same as above since it's a duplicate entry.

• The pharmacist is responsible for dispensing medicines accurately.
• The machine is dispensing hand sanitizer for the customers.

This word is generally used when something is being let go or set free, such as information, chemicals, or a person from obligations.

• The company will be releasing the new software update next week.
• The factory was fined for releasing harmful chemicals into the river.

This term is specifically used in relation to selling items through a vending machine.

• The vending machine sells snacks and drinks.
• Vending items like sandwiches and coffee has become common in offices.