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

Clean the dispenser and ice chute as well, as those are areas where mold tends to grow. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2025

Playful objects and artworks, including vintage Longchamp pieces such as cigarette dispensers, tobacco weights and gaming tracks, tell of the brand’s storied past, one that began as a producer of tobacco pipe coverings. —Denni Hu, Footwear News, 3 Nov. 2025

The pizza station handwash sink had a pipe leaking and, worse, a soap dispenser that didn’t dispense soap. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2025

From repainting vintage refrigerators to adding shelves in old juice dispenser machines and jukeboxes, his workshop is a work of wonders. —Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Oct. 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