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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The smell of coffee could become part of a virtual catch-up, thanks to an experimental system that connects odor sensors to wearable scent dispensers over the internet. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026 Place the vinegar in the fabric softener dispenser tray to ensure it is released at the right point in the wash cycle. — Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Oct. 2026 Whereas a cake donut is usually shaped in some way, usually with that little dispenser that makes the ring. — Emily Elias, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 Oct. 2026 The quaternary ammonium sanitizer dispenser is not in working condition. — Nwa Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dispenser

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "person in charge of distribution or administration, steward," borrowed from Anglo-French despenser, from despenser "to dispense, administer" + -er -er entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Phrases Containing dispenser

Rhymes for dispenser

See All Rhymes for dispenser

Browse Nearby Words

dispense
dispenser
dispense with
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dispenser.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dispenser. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of milieu

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
different halloween monsters in silhouette
A Monstrous Vocab Quiz Words That Go Bump in the Night
See All