distributor

noun

dis·​trib·​u·​tor di-ˈstri-byü-tər 

-byə-

1

: one that distributes

2

: one that markets a commodity

especially : wholesaler

3

: an apparatus for directing the secondary current from the induction coil to the various spark plugs of an engine in their proper firing order

Examples of distributor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some attendees quietly voiced the opinion that Seriesly needs to attract more global streamers, more local networks and more international content distributors who can add spice to the screenings line up – something the nascent event will surely explore for 2026. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 19 Sep. 2025

The recall was initiated after testing by the state of Pennsylvania at a distributor revealed the presence of listeria in the finished products. —Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025

Harris described himself as a more prolific steroids distributor who sent the drugs to other officers. —Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 19 Sep. 2025

The film will play in Busan’s Panorama section, presented by arthouse distributor Tcast. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for distributor

• contributor

Kids Definition

distributor

noun

dis·​trib·​u·​tor dis-ˈtrib-yət-ər 

1

: one that distributes

2

: an agent or agency for marketing goods

3

: a device that sends electric current to the spark plugs of an engine so that they fire in the proper order