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

As Banijay continues to expand its global footprint, the company remains committed to forging partnerships with key broadcasters, distributors and production companies in established and new/developing markets. —Jamie Lang, Variety, 20 Feb. 2025

The complaint, filed in Manhattan federal court, targets the distributors of popular brands such as Puff Bar, Elf Bar and MYLÉ. —Alyce McFadden, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025

The acquisitions title premiered at the Berlinale in competition this week, where IndieWire sat down with the director and star to talk about making this tricky and upsetting film, which, with the right distributor, is poised to be among 2025’s most controversial films. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 20 Feb. 2025

In addition to its proprietary e-commerce site, the brand has about 150 wholesale doors globally, handled directly — as is the case with Italy, Spain, France, Germany and the U.K. — or via distributors and local agents, in Greece, Turkey, Tunisia, South Korea and Japan. —Martino Carrera, WWD, 19 Feb. 2025

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