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Dispenser: meaning, definitions and examples

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dispenser

 

[ dɪˈspɛnsər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

water

A dispenser is a device that releases a specific amount of liquid, typically used for dispensing water or other beverages.

Synonyms

dispensing machine, water cooler.

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Word Description / Examples
dispenser

Can also refer to a person or thing that dispenses a service or a product, but this is less common.

  • He is the dispenser of wisdom in our group
  • The pharmacist acts as a dispenser of medication
dispensing machine

Specifically refers to automated machines that distribute items like snacks, beverages, or tickets. Often used in more formal or industry-specific settings.

  • The vending machine in the corridor is a type of dispensing machine
  • They installed a dispensing machine to sell train tickets
water cooler

Refers specifically to a machine that dispenses cold drinking water, often found in offices, gyms, and public places.

  • Everyone gathers around the water cooler during breaks
  • The gym has a water cooler near the entrance

Examples of usage

  • The water dispenser in the office provides both hot and cold water.
  • She filled her glass from the lemonade dispenser.
Context #2 | Noun

food

In the context of food, a dispenser is a machine that provides a specific portion of food, such as candy or nuts.

Synonyms

snack machine, vending machine.

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Word Description / Examples
dispenser

This word is repeated. The explanation and examples are the same as the previous entry.

  • The office installed a new water dispenser in the break room.
  • Please refill the paper towel dispenser when it's empty.
vending machine

A general term for a machine that sells various items like snacks, beverages, and even small gadgets. Found in a variety of places including airports, office buildings, and malls.

  • She bought a soda from the vending machine at the train station.
  • The vending machine in our office offers a range of healthy snacks.
snack machine

Specifically refers to a vending machine that dispenses snacks such as chips, candies, and cookies. Used in places like schools, gyms, and offices.

  • I got a bag of chips from the snack machine during my lunch break.
  • The snack machine near the gym was out of my favorite candy bar.

Examples of usage

  • The candy dispenser at the movie theater is always popular with kids.
  • He put a quarter in the peanut dispenser to get a handful of nuts.
Context #3 | Noun

medicine

A dispenser can also refer to a container or device used for dispensing medications or pills.

Synonyms

medication organizer, pillbox.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dispenser

Used specifically for machines or devices that provide a product, such as napkins, drinks, or cash. Appropriate for use in both daily and commercial settings.

  • The napkin dispenser on the table needs refilling.
  • The ATM is a cash dispenser.
pillbox

A small container used to hold pills. Often used in casual or everyday language, usually referring to a simple container rather than a complex organizer.

  • She always carries a pillbox in her bag.
  • I need to refill my pillbox for the week.
medication organizer

This term is typically used in healthcare settings or for personal use, referring to devices that help in organizing medication by day and/or time. Particularly helpful for people taking multiple medications.

  • The medication organizer helps her remember to take her pills.
  • I bought a new medication organizer to manage my prescriptions.

Examples of usage

  • The pharmacist filled the prescription and placed it in the pill dispenser.
  • She uses a weekly medication dispenser to organize her pills.

Translations

Translations of the word "dispenser" in other languages:

🇵🇹 distribuidor

🇮🇳 वितरक

🇩🇪 Spender

🇮🇩 dispenser

🇺🇦 дозатор

🇵🇱 dozownik

🇯🇵 ディスペンサー

🇫🇷 distributeur

🇪🇸 dispensador

🇹🇷 dağıtıcı

🇰🇷 디스펜서

🇸🇦 موزع

🇨🇿 dávkovač

🇸🇰 dávkovač

🇨🇳 分配器

🇸🇮 razpršilnik

🇮🇸 dreifari

🇰🇿 дозатор

🇬🇪 გამანაწილებელი

🇦🇿 paylayıcı

🇲🇽 dispensador

Etymology

The word 'dispenser' originated from the Latin word 'dispensare', meaning 'to weigh out' or 'to distribute'. It has been used in English since the 14th century, initially in the sense of 'to distribute or administer'. Over time, the word evolved to refer to devices or containers that release specific amounts of substances, such as liquids, food, or medications.

See also: dispensable, dispensation, dispensing, indispensable.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,224, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.