broker

American  

[broh-ker] / ˈbroʊ kər /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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verb

1. to act as a broker (in)

broker Cultural  

1. A financial agent or intermediary; a middleman.

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Other Word Forms

• brokership noun
• subbroker noun

Etymology

Origin of broker

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. ) )

Example Sentences

There are some good reasons tenants want to become landlords right now, Newmark property broker Kevin Shannon said, starting with timing.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Hegseth’s broker was unable to invest in the defense fund because the product was unavailable to Morgan Stanley clients.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

Emirates’ broker pushed back on the requested rate rise, saying the potential for a conflict was already baked into existing agreements, the people familiar with the negotiations said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

For instance, you may consult an insurance broker to purchase a policy of some kind, like life insurance with a long-term-care insurance rider.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

Now painfully awake, the broker drank a strong black coffee and rued his change of fortune.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

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