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

The toilet paper dispenser in the employee restroom was empty. —Sacbee.com, 3 Dec. 2025

The paper towel dispenser at the cookine handwash sink couldn’t dispense paper towels. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 1 Dec. 2025

Forget scooping with your fingers—Dr. Althea’s Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm features a clever twist dispenser that delivers the right amount of product every time. —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 26 Nov. 2025

Toilet paper thieves have been such a longstanding problem that, back in 2017, authorities in Beijing attempted to deal with the issue by installing high-tech toilet paper dispensers that used facial recognition software to control exactly how much toilet paper each person could take. —Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 25 Nov. 2025

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