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

For all your bits and bobs, find storage bins, baskets, tubs, or dispensers that keep everything in its place. —Bridget Reed Morawski, Architectural Digest, 7 Jan. 2026

Don’t forget to clean the refrigerator’s water and ice dispenser. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2026

Along with seasonal vegetables and light seafood bites including tuna poke and hamachi and passionfruit crudo, Ember & Vine will also offer 16 self-serve wine dispensers where diners can fill their glasses with 3- and 9-ounce pours. —Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 3 Jan. 2026

Showrunner Graham Yost promised that many questions are set to be answered, such as the origin of the Pez dispenser and the dirty bomb, while also stating that this season sets up an important location that plays a role in the fourth and final season. —Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 2 Jan. 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