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

Nash, who had decided to form his own production company, found a global distributor, Blue Ant Media, to pitch the show to networks. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026

Deezer and YouTube Music also ask distributors to flag when songs are created by AI and use advanced tools to help flag when they're not marked correctly. — James Peckham, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026

Filip Hronek is a capable distributor and a legitimate shooting threat up top. — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Both are commissioned for Korean broadcasters first, though Yang says conversations with international platforms and distributors are already happening in parallel. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Aug. 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