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

The interactive dashboard shows the amount of money the state has received and expects to receive over the next 15 years from legal settlements with prescription opioid manufacturers, distributors and retail pharmacies. —Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 28 May 2026

All operations will be conducted indoors, and the product will be sold only to licensed distributors. —Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2026

Going into the market without a distributor was a bold move that paid off, with the brand booking 2 million euros in sales in its first year, said the executive. —Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 27 May 2026

Against the Atlanta Hawks’ undersized frontcourt in the first round and banged-up Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid in the second, Towns starred as a distributor as the Knicks ran their offense through him. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 27 May 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