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

“The confirmation of additional purchases is certainly welcome news to traders,” said Brady Huck, principal broker with EmpowerAg Trading.

From The Wall Street Journal

The broker says it remains bullish on gold’s outlook despite a recent correction.

From The Wall Street Journal

We’re upset that our data will inevitably end up in brokers’ hands, but we feel there’s nothing to be done.

From The Wall Street Journal

Margin debt refers to the money investors borrow from brokers to buy stocks and other assets.

From MarketWatch

Local mortgage brokers will be able to advise if potential buyers qualify for these programs.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

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