Distributor: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used to describe a company or individual that supplies products to retailers or other businesses. They often handle logistics and distribution on a broad scale.

• The distributor managed the delivery of the new smartphones to all the retail stores.
• We need to find a reliable distributor for our products.

Commonly used to refer to someone who provides goods or materials, especially on a regular basis. It often suggests a direct relationship with the producer or manufacturer.

• They are our main supplier of office supplies.
• We need to negotiate better terms with our raw material supplier.

Usually refers to someone who sells goods or services, often in more informal or smaller-scale contexts. Can also apply to software or tech solutions providers.

• We bought fresh vegetables from the local vendor at the market.
• The company contracted a new software vendor to improve their IT infrastructure.

This term is used to describe a business that sells goods in bulk, typically to retailers rather than direct to consumers. They often operate from warehouses.

• The bakery purchases flour in large quantities from a wholesaler.
• A wholesaler can offer significant discounts on bulk orders.

Used when talking about a person or company that supplies goods to stores or businesses.

• The distributor delivered the fresh produce to the local grocery stores.
• Our company needs a reliable distributor for our new line of products.

Used when referring to an object or person that separates or segments areas, ideas, or groups.

• The office installed a divider to create two separate workspaces.
• The ideological differences between the two groups were a significant divider.

Used mainly when describing a tool or device used to split something into parts, often physical objects like wood or data lines.

• He used a log splitter to prepare firewood for the winter.
• The networking team installed a cable splitter to connect multiple devices.

Used when talking about something that divides or interrupts something else, usually physical objects or electrical circuits. Can have a negative connotation if suggesting disruption.

• The storm was so strong that it acted as a breaker, splitting the tree in half.
• An electrical breaker tripped, causing a power outage in the building.