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

RiffTrax distributor Legend Films in 2021 released the same cut of the film, without the commentary. —David Goldman, CNN Money, 26 Dec. 2025

Sphere Abacus, in which Bell Media acquired a majority stake earlier this year, is the international distributor. —Hunter Ingram, Variety, 26 Dec. 2025

Most of what we are told about alcohol comes from marketing by the makers, distributors, and retailers of alcohol products. —William J. Burman, Denver Post, 24 Dec. 2025

The one-of-a-kind activation was conceptualized and executed by Chalamet, Marty Supreme’s distributor A24 Films, and Sphere Studios. —Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Dec. 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