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Synonyms

dispenser

American  
[dih-spen-ser] / dɪˈspɛn sər /

noun

  1. a person or thing that dispenses.

  2. a container, package, device, or vending machine for holding and dispensing something in small amounts, as facial tissue, paper cups, or candy.


dispenser British  
/ dɪˈspɛnsə /

noun

  1. a device, such as a vending machine, that automatically dispenses a single item or a measured quantity

  2. a person or thing that dispenses

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of dispenser

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; dispense, -er 1

Compare meaning

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I yanked the top off the body-wash dispenser at one hotel and left it off until I checked out.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

A water dispenser issue requiring the crew to bag water as a precaution.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

It felt like a piece of my childhood died along with the actor who played Dawson Leery, but it wasn’t just a parasocial relationship that had me weeping next to the soap dispenser.

From Slate • Feb. 19, 2026

It featured the Hommemade Cafe, which was serving a meticulous espresso martini, and the Hommemade entertainment console and professional studio on wheels — complete with a projector, microphones, snack dispenser and rolling tray.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2025

All my crafts, from the large-scale collages hanging on the walls to the decorated toilet paper dispenser, were what Nan called “pack-worthy.”

From "Hope Springs" by Jaime Berry