distributor

noun

dis·​trib·​u·​tor di-ˈstri-byü-tər How to pronounce distributor (audio)
-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
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His career spans senior roles in London and Los Angeles within broadcasters, production companies and distributors, including positions at BBC Studios, Shine International and RDF. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 July 2025 Recall is a voluntary action that takes place because manufacturers and distributors carry out their responsibility to protect the public health and well-being from products that present a risk of injury or gross deception or are otherwise defective. Emma Marsden, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025 The rule requires refiners and fuel distributors to meet stricter emissions targets even as refineries close in a state that has long made its hostility to the oil and gas industry clear. U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2025 The Mouse House’s exclusive negotiating window slammed shut toward the end of the year before both parties could reach an agreement, and since then F1 has been shopping around for a new distributor. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for distributor

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of distributor was in 1526

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Cite this Entry

“Distributor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distributor. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

distributor

noun
dis·​trib·​u·​tor dis-ˈtrib-yət-ər How to pronounce distributor (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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