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clearinghouse

American  
[kleer-ing-hous] / ˈklɪər ɪŋˌhaʊs /
Or clearing house

noun

plural

clearinghouses
  1. a place or institution where mutual claims and accounts are settled, as between banks.

  2. a central institution or agency for the collection, maintenance, and distribution of materials, information, etc.


Etymology

Origin of clearinghouse

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The clearinghouses hold the collateral on each side of a contract, transferring risk from trading parties to the clearinghouse itself.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

NeedyMeds.org External link operates a clearinghouse of patient assistance programs.

From Barron's • Mar. 5, 2026

Before Babikian got the #EndFanatics movement going on X, the account @FanaticsSucks was the clearinghouse for disgruntled Fanatics customers.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 22, 2026

The AEA functions as the main clearinghouse for economics jobs through its Job Openings for Economists network, or JOE.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 18, 2026

The Line Superintendent said that he would be able to get in touch with the crews in the morning; he suggested the rural telephone supervisor, who was a clearinghouse of information for miles around...

From "The Incredible Journey" by Sheila Burnford