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

Marcos Charles, an ICE associate director, claimed that Jahn had actually used those apps, and blamed their creators and distributors for putting agents in danger. —Oriana Van Praag, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2026

Per Miyu, local distributors, particularly in Spain, Germany, and other territories, can thus be engaged alongside TV sales to anchor the project within a diverse range of distribution channels. —Kevin Giraud, Variety, 27 Mar. 2026

In the same way Leger-Walker went from a three-point sniper to a point guard or Rice went from a distributor to a shooter and Jaquez from a hoop driver to a three-level scorer, Betts transformed from a post-up only scorer to the conductor of the Bruins’ office in the middle of the floor. —Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026

Only one of the three bidding distributors will come away with the movie, and the other two must remember that there is no crying in baseball. —Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 26 Mar. 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