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

Independent distributors also scored significant results with less predictable titles. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 10 July 2026

Neon has closed a transaction for production company Department M to acquire a significant stake in the distributor, the companies announced Friday. — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 10 July 2026

Rather than focusing exclusively on Missouri wineries this year, organizers opted for one distributor to simplify operations while still offering a broad selection of red and white wines from multiple countries. — Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026

Fathom Entertainment, the specialty distributor jointly owned by major theater chains AMC, Cinemark and Regal, has named Jason Brenek its new CEO. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 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