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 Word Forms

• 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

The BBC understands from sources in Haiti that he is a customs broker, is on the run and is suspected of being connected with gang activity in the north of the country.

From BBC

After the Hooters shooting, the “upper levels” of both motorcycle clubs tried to “broker” a meeting, but one never materialized, the officer wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

It is not an outlandish prediction to suggest that, if it comes, any peace in the US-China trade war could be brokered by Cook.

From BBC

He described how Soboroff brokered a deal for the Army Corps of Engineers to use Conservancy land as a debris-sorting site.

From Los Angeles Times

As a customs broker, Iacopella represents importers and helps them comply with duties and regulations.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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