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 high-tech toilet paper dispensers seem to be part of an effort to reduce waste and prevent people from taking excessive amounts of supplies. —Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 25 Nov. 2025

Set up a schedule for coop cleaning, feeding and checking the water dispensers, and gathering the eggs, which can then be shared among the volunteers. —Joan Morris, Mercury News, 24 Nov. 2025

Both of the restaurant’s bathrooms had empty paper towel dispensers, and employees told inspectors that one of the bathroom’s sinks was leaking. —Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 21 Nov. 2025

Pump dispenser didn’t dispense enough product. —Lisa Desantis, Glamour, 18 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