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 Just in time for Easter, online bulk candy distributor CandyStore.com has reported each state's favorite jelly bean, determined through surveys and sales analysis. Amy Schwabe, Journal Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2024 Readers across the globe borrowed 662 million e-books, audiobooks and digital magazines last year, up 19% since 2022, according to data provided by OverDrive, the main distributor of digital content for libraries and schools. Susan Haigh, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2024 Palisades Park Pictures is handling international sales and the U.S. distributor is XYZ Films. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Mar. 2024 Independent digital distributor and artist and label services company IDOL has signed new deals with Le Plan Recordings and Old Soul Music. Chris Eggertsen, Billboard, 8 Mar. 2024 The building had also housed a distributor for the vaping industry called Goo which had more than 100,000 vape pens stored on-site, Duncan said. Elissa Robinson, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2024 But more recently, the distributor's films have been given an exclusive, 45-day theatrical window before hitting their streamer. Kelsie Gibson, Peoplemag, 1 Mar. 2024 Public officials, such as Mayor Scott, are barred by a provision in federal law known as the Tiahrt Amendment from accessing the ATF firearms trace database, the only source for information about the manufacturer, distributor, point of sale and recovery of guns linked to violent crime nationwide. Emma Tucker, CNN, 4 Mar. 2024 The producers recruited a variety of investors, including a small distributor, LBS, as well as an earlier version of Fremantle (which had distributed the show internationally and saw the popularity of Hasselhoff in Germany), UK outlet ITV and the Chris-Craft TV station group. Michael Schneider, Variety, 4 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'distributor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of distributor was in 1526

Dictionary Entries Near distributor

Cite this Entry

“Distributor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distributor. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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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