middleman

[mid-l-man]

noun

plural

middlemen 

1. a person who plays an economic role intermediate between producer and retailer or consumer.

2. a person who acts as an intermediary.

middleman

/ ˈmɪdəlˌmæn /

noun

1. an independent trader engaged in the distribution of goods from producer to consumer

2. an intermediary

3. theatre the interlocutor in minstrel shows

Word History and Origins

Origin of middleman¹

1400–50; late Middle English: maker of girdles; middle, man

Example Sentences

Palantir’s direct public offering — meaning that the company sold its stock straight to the public without a Wall Street middleman underwriter — is a particular source of pride for Karp.

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In the most recent tactics identified by cybersecurity firm Proofpoint, hackers posed as freight middlemen, posting fake loads to the boards.

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Some bring the chips physically into China using middlemen.

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C. Meat packers are using “their position as middlemen to overcharge grocery stores and, ultimately, families.”

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These new access channels don’t eliminate middlemen, but they weaken dependence on them.

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Related Words

• go-between 
• mediator 
• wholesaler