dispenser

noun

dis·​pens·​er di-ˈspen(t)-sər How to pronounce dispenser (audio)
: one that dispenses: such as
a
: a container that extrudes, sprays, or feeds out in convenient units
a soap dispenser
b
: a usually mechanical device for vending merchandise

Examples of dispenser in a Sentence

hospitals and other health-care dispensers
Recent Examples on the Web Swarms of flies and a roach falling out of a paper towel dispenser in front of an inspector are on this week’s list of South Florida restaurants that failed inspection. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 1 Mar. 2024 Daruma also has a hot water dispenser for making tea and instant cup noodles, and outdoor patio seating. Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 29 Feb. 2024 In addition to dressing, this versatile dispenser can also hold soy sauce, cooking wine, olive oil, and more. Rachel Trujillo, Southern Living, 23 Feb. 2024 And that’s even before a soda dispenser goes on the fritz and floods the kitchen with cherry coke. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Feb. 2024 Two more on eBay were clearly intended for use in the bathroom, with cameras concealed inside a toothbrush holder and a soap dispenser. Thomas Brewster, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024 Three mouse droppings were observed on Monday in bottom cabinets under self serve soda dispenser. Jacqueline Pinedo, Sacramento Bee, 9 Feb. 2024 For example, e-cigarettes and tobacco cigarettes are essentially nicotine dispensers. Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 8 Feb. 2024 The good news: Adding a disinfectant to the toilet bowl before flushing and using disinfectant dispensers in the tank significantly reduce cross-contamination. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 31 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dispenser.' 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

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dispenser was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near dispenser

Cite this Entry

“Dispenser.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dispenser. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

dispenser

noun
dis·​pens·​er dis-ˈpen(t)-sər How to pronounce dispenser (audio)
: one that dispenses
especially : a container that gives out something a little at a time
a soap dispenser

More from Merriam-Webster on dispenser

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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