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

Matt Tyrnauer followed that route with Carville, telling a vivid personal and political story that triggered competitive bidding from distributors: CNN won over Netflix. —Peter Bart, Deadline, 12 Dec. 2024

Zaslav resisted the move, believing that CNN strengthened the cable portfolio and gave it more leverage during negotiations with distributors. —Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024

The documentary premiered at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival on Nov. 9 but is currently without a distributor or a release date. —Lizzie Hyman, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024

Porto Vino, a European wine brand, was acquired by North American distributors last month. —Kimberly Chin, Axios, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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