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

Subscribe to hear this story A local packaging distributor is working to expand the reach of a biodegradable film capable of reducing waste in the manufacturing process. —Alex Garner, USA TODAY, 3 Dec. 2024

Like Arrowhead, Poland Springs, and Zephyrhills, Keeper Springs had used Nestlé as a bottler and a distributor. —Charles Bethea, The New Yorker, 2 Dec. 2024

The idea is to eliminate surprises for financiers, actors and distributors. —Patrick Frater, Variety, 27 Nov. 2024

For instance, the court could prohibit Google from purchasing default search engine status from so many distributors that competitors are foreclosed from the market. —Roomy Khan, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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