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

Partners and distributors are being more cautious because Anta prefers a direct-to-consumer model, Hoeld said. — Cathrin Schaer, Footwear News, 31 July 2026

The attorneys cited violations of the First and Fourteenth amendments as the basis for the lawsuit, and the distributors’ association is asking a judge to stop Colorado’s program. — Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 31 July 2026

DirecTV’s status as a Sunday Ticket distributor came into doubt after the two sides failed to agree upon an extension of their previous three-year agreement, which expired this offseason. — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 31 July 2026

The producers argue the theft has made the film significantly harder to sell because any prospective distributor would have to be told that an unencrypted copy was stolen before its release. — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 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