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

• brokership noun
• subbroker 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

Companies have little say in selecting these intermediaries; instead, brokers dictate the choice.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

That same year, Riyadh helped broker a prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

That’s when brokers demand more cash from investors to cover the loans.

Read more on Barron's

Clearing aims to be a neutral back-end technology provider for brokerages—in contrast to existing prediction-market businesses, some of which both process bets for retail brokers and serve individual investors directly.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

That is when brokers demand more cash from investors who have borrowed money to make investments.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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