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

California brokered this partnership to give manufacturers the certainty they said they needed and say they still need.

From Los Angeles Times

Qatar hosts a major US airbase and has played a key role in brokering diplomatic efforts to end the war in Gaza, serving as a mediator of indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel.

From BBC

Qatar has played a key role in brokering diplomatic efforts to end the war, serving as a mediator of indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel.

From BBC

The Gulf state hosts a major US airbase and has played a key role in brokering diplomatic efforts to end the war in Gaza, serving as a mediator of indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel.

From BBC

The prevalence of tee-time brokering was reported by The Times last year, in which scores of local golfers shared frustrations over their inability to secure a tee time on public courses in L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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