distributor

noun

dis·​trib·​u·​tor di-ˈstri-byü-tər 

-byə-

1

: one that distributes

2

: one that markets a commodity

especially : wholesaler

3

: an apparatus for directing the secondary current from the induction coil to the various spark plugs of an engine in their proper firing order

Examples of distributor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Although annual overdose deaths have declined since peaking in 2022, the epidemic remains one of the nation's deadliest public health crises, fueling years of litigation against drug manufacturers, distributors and pharmacy chains. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

The distributor is also debuting long gestating Legend of the White Dragon as an event release for the three-day weekend and Wednesday, one showtime daily, on 596 screens. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2026

The affected products were distributed to healthcare providers and distributors in 14 states between July 31 and August 3 2026, according to the company. — Victoria Forster, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026

An 128-year-old alcohol distributor based in metro Atlanta recently filed for bankruptcy and will lay off more than 500 Georgia workers, according to state filings. — Amy Wenk, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for distributor

• contributor

Kids Definition

distributor

noun

dis·​trib·​u·​tor dis-ˈtrib-yət-ər 

1

: one that distributes

2

: an agent or agency for marketing goods

3

: a device that sends electric current to the spark plugs of an engine so that they fire in the proper order