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 series is co-produced for global audiences by Australian animation studio Hooligan Animation, BBC Studios and 20th Television Animation, with BBC Studios as lead studio and Hulu as the worldwide distributor. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2026

Experts see the reckoning as reminiscent of cases against tobacco and opioid markets, and the plaintiffs hope that social media platforms will see similar outcomes as cigarette makers and drug companies, pharmacies and distributors. —Barbara Ortutay, Fortune, 20 Feb. 2026

Production has slowed over the past two months because of problems with the wells in Monterrey, Mexico, that source the water, according to a letter sent by Coca-Cola to distributors and seen by CNN. —Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026

But there were also few domestic pick-ups, including of Sundance hit Josephine, a psychological family drama starring Channing Tatum, Gemma Chan and newcomer Mason Reeves, which new domestic distributor Sumerian Pictures acquired in a competitive seven-figure deal. —Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 19 Feb. 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