landman

[land-muhn, -man]

noun

plural

landmen 

1. landsman.

2. leaseman.

3. a person who bargains with landowners for the mineral rights to their land, as on behalf of an oil company.

Gender Note

See -man.

Word History and Origins

Origin of landman¹

before 1000; Middle English; Old English landmann. See land, man

Example Sentences

The voluble Pickens began his life in Oklahoma, the son of a landman who leased mineral rights from private landowners and sold them to oil companies.

From New York Times

“My first professional job was as what we then called a ‘landman,’” negotiating with landowners to acquire leases for energy exploration, she said.

From New York Times

“My first professional job was as what we then called a ‘landman,’” negotiating with landowners to acquire leases for energy exploration.

From Seattle Times

When someone comes to visit, like a landman looking into new oil or gas leases, the person must have an appointment and wear a mask.

From New York Times

So she interviewed with an oil and gas company and a landman there suggested she go to law school.

From Washington Times