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 Words From

• broker·ship noun
• sub·broker 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

The Desperate Housewives star is viewed as a power broker for women and Latinos in Democratic Party politics.

From BBC

I’ve seen her campaign transform from basically her and her communications director Naomi Villagomez Roochnik to everyone now wanting an audience with the Eastside’s newest power broker.

From Los Angeles Times

In Roberts’ analysis, Trump represents a break from the establishment, despite some of his recent cabinet appointments, like reported Secretary of State pick Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and that Trump has been a Republican power broker since 2012, when Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, traveled to New York during his presidential campaign to seek Trump’s endorsement.

From Salon

That’s because renters in New York are held responsible for paying the broker that the landlord hired to find tenants.

From Salon

Typically, such broker fees range from 10% to 15% of a tenant’s annual rent; in a city where the average monthly rent is currently $3,898 per month, renters often must pay several thousand dollars just to move.

From Salon

Related Words

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