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

This Denver nonprofit recovers unused food from restaurants and distributors and delivers it free to food pantries, schools, and shelters across the metro area. — Sara Hansen, Denver Post, 11 Nov. 2026

Prior to the new regulations going into effect, CBS Pittsburgh talked to one skill game distributor that was loading games onto a truck to be sent out of state. — Mike Darnay, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026

Teams from both banners plan to meet buyers, distributors, platforms and festivals at AFM. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Nov. 2026

Now, as Long Day’s Journey Into Night plays at film festivals and in select theaters courtesy of a tiny distributor, Lange is hustling to make sure people know about it and see it. — Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 9 Nov. 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