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 movie would almost certainly make money for the studio given that Paramount, as a distributor but not a financier, stands to receive a hefty fee. —Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 4 Dec. 2025

CreaZion Studios is engaging with international distributors and investors following the ATF pitch. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 Dec. 2025

The cuvee is available in Michigan, but the Pollocks, who split their time between Miami and Michigan, are still seeking a distributor in Florida. —Miami Herald, 3 Dec. 2025

Cuccio also set himself apart from the competition, which largely stayed domestic, by traveling to 90 countries starting in 1984—and financing his distributors himself. —Sydney Lake, Fortune, 3 Dec. 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