broker

American  

[broh-ker] / ˈbroʊ kər /

noun

1. an agent who buys or sells for a principal on a commission basis without having title to the property.

2. a person who functions as an intermediary between two or more parties in negotiating agreements, bargains, or the like.

3. stockbroker.

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verb (used with object)

1. to act as a broker for.

   to broker the sale of a house.

verb (used without object)

1. to act as a broker.

broker British  

/ ˈbrəʊkə /

noun

1. an agent who, acting on behalf of a principal, buys or sells goods, securities, etc, in return for a commission

   insurance broker

2. (formerly) short for stockbroker

3. a dealer in second-hand goods

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verb

1. to act as a broker (in)

broker Cultural  

1. A financial agent or intermediary; a middleman.

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Other Word Forms

• brokership noun
• subbroker noun

Etymology

Origin of broker

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English broco(u)r, from Anglo-French abrocour, broco(u)r “middleman, wine merchant”; compare Old Provençal abrocador, perhaps based on Spanish alboroque “gift or drink concluding a transaction” (from Arabic al-burūk “the gift, gratuity”), with -ador, from Latin -ātor -ator; alternatively, from Old French brocheor, brokeor “wine merchant,” derivative of broche ( broach ( def. ) )

Example Sentences

He no longer spoke primarily as a reformer, but as a performer on the political stage—a power broker.

From The Wall Street Journal

Ras Laffan is quite simply the engine that has powered Qatar’s meteoric growth and rise as a global power broker.

From Salon

“I’ve seen my share of less savvy investors who have had brokers and insurance salespeople put their IRAs into deferred variable annuities,” says North Vale, N.J.-based financial adviser John Coumarianos.

From MarketWatch

You know the thinking: If so-and-so power broker is also in the room, why should I worry?

From The Wall Street Journal

The DOJ alleged that the trio devised a plan with an unnamed South East Asia-based firm to divert US-made chips to brokers in China who were in close contact with Liaw and Chang.

From BBC

Related Words

• agent
• dealer
• entrepreneur
• financier
• intermediary
• mediator
• merchant
• stockbroker