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

City Council Speaker Julie Menin has tried to pass a bill that would require DSNY to install dog-bag dispensers on public trash cans. —Clio Chang, Curbed, 17 Feb. 2026

Key features shoppers look for include HD video, two-way audio, and treat dispensers. —Trisha Easto, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026

The business’ meat department was closed after health inspectors found five cockroach eggs and one live German cockroach nymph inside a paper towel dispenser. —Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado february 13, Sacbee.com, 13 Feb. 2026

While showing viewers around the inside of one of the Milan Olympic Village’s dining halls, viewers noticed a giant Nutella dispenser in the background. —Andrew Greif, NBC news, 13 Feb. 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