noun

distributor

dih-STRIB-yuh-ter/dɪˈstrɪbjətər/

A person or device directing supplies to their recipients.

The distributor delivers fresh produce to local grocery stores every morning.

Warehouse worker transfers boxes from storage pallet onto a delivery cart for shops, simple supply context.

Etymology

disLatinindividually

+tributLatinto assign, allot

+orLatinone who does

The pieces describe someone who allots things individually or deals them out in portions. A commercial distributor performs that role by supplying goods to sellers or users.

In context

Deep Roots School of Foraging & Herbal Medicine57:53

I order glycerin online and or from a big distributor

Herbal Medicine 101

More examples

The charity chooses a local distributor to deliver donated blankets.
Regional distributors keep spare parts available for repair shops.
In this older engine, the distributor sends current to each spark plug.

Forms

distributor · distributors

distribute verb — To supply or allocate items among recipients.

distribution noun — The process of supplying items to recipients.

Similar words

supplier: Emphasizes providing goods rather than directing their allocation.
wholesaler: Specifically sells goods in bulk, usually to retailers.