Distributor Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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distributor

[dษชหˆstrษชbjสŠtษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

business

A person or company that supplies goods to stores or other businesses for sale.

Synonyms

supplier, vendor, wholesaler.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
distributor

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.
supplier

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.
vendor

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.
wholesaler

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.

Examples of usage

  • The distributor delivers products to various retail locations.
  • The distributor is responsible for managing inventory and logistics.
  • Many distributors work with multiple manufacturers to offer a wide range of products.
  • The distributor plays a key role in the supply chain.
  • The distributor ensures that products reach the end consumers efficiently.
Context #2 | Noun

electricity

A device that divides an electrical current into two or more parts and directs it to different outlets or circuits.

Synonyms

breaker, divider, splitter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
distributor

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.
divider

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.
splitter

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.
breaker

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.

Examples of usage

  • The power distributor regulates and distributes electricity to different areas.
  • Check the circuit breaker at the main distributor if you experience a power outage.
  • Each building has its own electrical distributor for safety and control.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Business

  • Distributors play a key role in the supply chain, connecting manufacturers and retailers.
  • They often have specialized knowledge about market trends which helps them make informed decisions on product distribution.
  • In some industries, like pharmaceuticals, distributors must adhere to strict regulations to ensure safe product handling and delivery.

Technology

  • Modern distributors may use sophisticated software to track inventory and sales data, improving efficiency.
  • E-commerce growth has led to new forms of distribution, such as dropshipping, where products are shipped directly from manufacturers to customers without a physical store.

Cultural Impact

  • Distributors often influence what products are available in specific regions, shaping consumer choices.
  • In the film industry, distributors decide how and when movies are released, affecting their success and audience reach.

Economics

  • The concept of distribution is crucial in economics, discussing how goods reach consumers and the various costs involved.
  • Distributors can impact pricing by negotiating bulk purchases with manufacturers, potentially lowering consumer costs.

Origin of 'distributor'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'distribuere', meaning to divide or share out.
  • It evolved in Middle French as 'distributeur' before entering English in the early 19th century.

The word 'distributor' has its origins in the Latin word 'distributus', which means 'divided'. It first appeared in the English language in the 15th century. Initially used in a general sense of 'to divide or dispense', it later evolved to specifically refer to a person or entity that supplies goods to retailers or other businesses. Over time, the term expanded to include electronic components that distribute electricity in circuits. Today, 'distributor' remains a key player in the business and electrical industries.


See also: distributable, distributing, distribution, distributors, redistribute, redistribution, undistributed.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,235 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.