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

Based on provenance alone, Régis Cimmati, fine wines director at Maison Pion, a key distributor of DRC, estimated the 1899 bottle to be worth €100,000 ($118,000). —Pin Yen Tan 9 Min Ago, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026

Reporting to Fabien Westerhoff, who heads the company’s theatrical arm, Teste will oversee Global Constellation’s worldwide sales operations, working closely with distributors and talent agencies to further strengthen the company’s position in the global marketplace. —Leo Barraclough, Variety, 6 Feb. 2026

Melania also recently made headlines in a new way when distributor Amazon MGM asked a theater in Oregon to stop screening the film due to some viral jokes on its marquee. —James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 6 Feb. 2026

One of the nation’s leading distributors is becoming known for cheap shots. —Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 5 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