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

Gavi is the most prominent procurer and distributor of vaccines to children across the globe. —Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

Studios with a deal for FilmRise, a leading indie distributor of digital streaming content. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 1 July 2025

For years, Russ and Dave relied on regional distributors who understood their product. —David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 27 June 2025

Carriage disputes have become increasingly common across the media industry, as programmers and distributors seek to keep revenue from linear TV flowing as customers jump to digital venues for their news, sports and entertainment. —Brian Steinberg, Variety, 26 June 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