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

Part of that process has seen MultiChoice titles join the catalog of Canal+ producer-distributor StudioCanal. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026

This year’s forum features 35 projects that will be pitched to producers, financiers, sales agents, broadcasters, distributors and film funds from across Africa and the rest of the globe. — Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026

The screening’s reception was so strong that nearly every major player entered the fray, driving the bidding to figures the indie distributor simply couldn’t turn down. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026

However, the company said beer depletions, a measure of sales from distributors to retailers and other customers, declined slightly during the quarter, indicating consumer demand was softer than shipment growth suggests. — Brandon Gomez, CNBC, 7 Oct. 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