dispenser

noun

dis·​pens·​er di-ˈspen(t)-sər 

: one that dispenses: such as

a

: a container that extrudes, sprays, or feeds out in convenient units

a soap dispenser

b

: a usually mechanical device for vending merchandise

Examples of dispenser in a Sentence

hospitals and other health-care dispensers

Recent Examples on the Web

Add 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide to the washer drum or the automatic bleach dispenser before loading white clothes into the washer. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 14 July 2026

The old collection of miniature plastic bottles is gone, replaced by large refillable dispensers. — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

The paper towel dispenser was missing from a kitchen hand sink, some seafood was stored above vegetables in the refrigerator and an electrical cord was submerged in water at the three-compartment sink. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026

SpaceX is expected to eventually offer a different deployment system to accommodate other kinds of payloads that are not compatible with the Pez dispenser. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 9 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "person in charge of distribution or administration, steward," borrowed from Anglo-French despenser, from despenser "to dispense, administer" + -er -er entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing dispenser

• cash dispenser

Rhymes for dispenser

• condenser
• extensor
• biosensor
• censer
• censor
• denser
• fencer
• sensor
• tensor

Kids Definition

dispenser

noun

dis·​pens·​er dis-ˈpen(t)-sər 

: one that dispenses

especially : a container that gives out something a little at a time

a soap dispenser