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

Mitchell was particularly impressive as a distributor while Crowe and Bryant flashed their elite scoring ability. — Pj Green november 3, Kansas City Star, 4 Nov. 2026

By 2032, plastic producers and distributors are required to cut the amount of single-use plastic sold in the state by 25%. — Susanne Rust follow, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026

The brand had entered receivership in June as the founders sought to disentangle themselves from fashion development platform Tomorrow London Group, the brand’s majority shareholder and exclusive distributor since 2019. — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 4 Nov. 2026

Founded in 1995, Brainstorm is an independent distributor that pairs theatrical releases with campaigns aimed at specific audiences. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 Nov. 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