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

When [my family] moved to Greenwich, Connecticut, the [North American Ferrari distributor, Luigi] Chinetti building was right on the Post Road. —Jamie Lincoln Kitman, Rolling Stone, 24 Apr. 2026

Sho Miyake’s drama Two Seasons, Two Strangers from distributor Several Futures opens for a weeklong run at the Metrograph in New York. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2026

The company is shifting beyond its traditional role as a drug distributor into higher-growth services, particularly supporting specialty medical practices. —Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2026

Large distributors dominate the market, and they’re built for scale, not specificity. —Maryam Ahmed, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Apr. 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