distributor

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noun dis·trib·u·tor \ di-ˈstri-byü-tər , -byə- \

Definition of distributor

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

See distributor defined for English-language learners

See distributor defined for kids

Recent Examples of distributor from the Web

New Flyer is the largest transit bus and motor coach manufacturer and parts distributor in North America, with six manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and Canada.

— william thornton, AL.com, "Anniston attempting to lure battery technology research facility," 30 Aug. 2017
The distributor and gun dealer must also record their possession of the weapon, ending with to whom the gun is ultimately sold.

— kristina davis, sandiegouniontribune.com, "'Ghost guns' are easy to build, legal and completely untraceable," 27 Aug. 2017
About Monster Energy Based in Corona, California, Monster Energy is the leading marketer and distributor of energy drinks and alternative beverages.

— posted jim varsallone, miamiherald, "Monster Energy continuing to sponsor UFC fighter Conor McGregor," 15 Aug. 2017
To punish the drug distributors, the city is asking for unspecified damages that could run into the millions of dollars.

— anne saker, Cincinnati.com, "Suit: Nearly 300M doses of opioids flooded Greater Cincinnati over five years," 15 Aug. 2017
The man was later identified as Hassan Jameel, owner of a soccer league and heir to Saudi Arabia's largest Toyota distributor.

— andrea park, Teen Vogue, "Rihanna Wore Giambattista Valli Pink Gown to the Valerian Premiere, and the Internet Can't Deal," 18 July 2017
The source of its allure is its stake in Oncor, the biggest electricity distributor in Texas, which is independently managed.

— The Economist, "Business this week," 13 July 2017
The state’s first marijuana distributor license was issued since legalization earlier this month, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

— max londberg, kansascity, "High demand: State of emergency in Nevada proposed to maintain sufficient weed supply," 13 July 2017
What a lot of people don’t know is that PlayStation is the largest distributor of most subscription video on-demand services.

— jennifer van grove, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Retired TV junkies go cordless," 8 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'distributor.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of distributor

1526

DISTRIBUTOR Defined for English Language Learners

distributor

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noun

Definition of distributor for English Language Learners

: a person or company that supplies stores or businesses with goods
: a device that sends electricity to the spark plugs of an engine

DISTRIBUTOR Defined for Kids

distributor

play

noun dis·trib·u·tor \ di-ˈstri-byü-tər , -byə- \

Definition of distributor for Students

:a person or company that supplies stores or businesses with goods

Learn More about distributor

Spanish Central: Translation of distributor Nglish: Translation of distributor for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of distributor for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about distributor

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distributor

Definition of distributor

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DISTRIBUTOR Defined for English Language Learners

distributor

Definition of distributor for English Language Learners

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distributor

Definition of distributor for Students

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