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

After just four editions, Merci Valladolid has emerged as Spain’s go-to market for indie film, driving the circulation of arthouse titles from distributors to exhibitors, programmers and platforms. —Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 24 Oct. 2025

Since then, three more manufacturers/distributors and six more products were added to the list. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025

The release model has worked before for distributors Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Releasing, which hold the international rights to Toho’s Chainsaw Man franchise. —Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025

Its expanding partnership with distributor PepsiCo (similar to the deal between Monster and Coca-Cola), and its sponsorships of festivals, sporting events, and athletes is also helping establish its presence among consumers. —Charlotte Hu, Time, 23 Oct. 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