broker

[ broh-ker ]

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.

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

/ 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

verb

1. to act as a broker (in)

broker

1. A financial agent or intermediary; a middleman.

Other Words From

• broker·ship noun
• sub·broker noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of broker¹

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 ) )

Word History and Origins

Origin of broker¹

C14: from Anglo-French brocour broacher (of casks, hence, one who sells, agent), from Old Northern French broquier to tap a cask, from broque tap of a cask; see broach ¹

Example Sentences

When you are safely out, you give your password to the smuggler who calls it in to the broker to release the funds.

From The Daily Beast

The broker who sold the policy went so far as to say the doctors had been lying to me.

From The Daily Beast

Caro wanted a clean start, a new editor, and enough money to survive on while he finished writing The Power Broker.

From The Daily Beast

“When Robert Moses began building playgrounds in New York City, there were 119,” Caro writes in The Power Broker.

From The Daily Beast

That single chapter, the most visceral and moving part of The Power Broker, took Caro six months to research and write.

From The Daily Beast

A delivery of a policy therefore, to an insurance broker, would be a delivery to his principal.

From Project Gutenberg

A bill and note broker who does not disclose the principal's name is liable like other agents as a principal.

From Project Gutenberg

Thence, indeed, in the course of a few days went a wealthy broker whose sign was three balls.

From Project Gutenberg

They drove on, and reaching Winnipeg next day, went straight to Graham the wheat-broker's offices.

From Project Gutenberg

"I'll make it that much, and see the others do their share," said Dane, and then glanced at the broker with a curious smile.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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