mete out
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
To distribute something in portions; to apportion or dole out.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
He was also under scrutiny for the time line on which he meted out relationship milestones, which conveniently aligned with the show’s narrative progression.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “mete out” mean?
To distribute something in portions; to apportion or dole out.
Is “mete out” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.