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

Both will be released in North America by Hong’s regular distributor The Cinema Guild; at this point the director may not be minting that many arthouse converts, but the new film will be warmly embraced by the faithful. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026

Now our distributors are trillion, multi-trillion dollar companies, and the game has completely changed. — Max Tani, semafor.com, 14 Aug. 2026

Bitsight also raised the possibility that an original equipment distributor, reseller or custom firmware provider added the apps before the boxes reached consumers. — Jesse Watson , Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2026

Streamer and specialty film distributor Cineverse has revealed that layoffs have hit its workforce of 375 employees. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 14 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