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

One of her responsibilities was managing the relationship with book distributors and working closely with the sales and distribution team that sold books to bookstores. —Elaine Pofeldt, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025

From there, the product would be unloaded, securely packaged, and transported to the cartel’s stateside distributors. —Martin Suarez, Rolling Stone, 13 Sep. 2025

Lionsgate Studio Film and television producer and distributor Lionsgate Studio could also go higher. —Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 12 Sep. 2025

Action dramedy Code 3 opens on 140+ screens from new distributor Aura Entertainment. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025

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