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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; see origin at 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

As the baseball world shut down, Call bought a portable Junior Hack Attack hitting machine with a self-feeding ball dispenser.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 8, 2025

Always keep the container tightly sealed to minimize contact with air – if your dispenser bottle has an open spout, your oil will degrade faster.

From Salon • Jan. 19, 2025

I took a Safe-T-Guard from the dispenser and laid it over the toilet seat.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides

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