middleman

[ mid-l-man ]

noun

, plural mid·dle·men.

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

Hidden from public view is the middleman role often played by staffing agencies.

From New York Times

She said Amazon has "created the spending habits" of western consumers by acting as a trustworthy middleman between them and manufacturers.

From BBC

I travelled across America, from the suburbs of Ohio to the desert of Palm Springs, tracking down men affected and confronting those involved – including the middleman himself.

From BBC

The BBC's investigation found a sophisticated operation involving a middleman, Mr Jacobson, and a network of recruiters tasked with finding men for these events.

From BBC

Several told the BBC the middleman or other recruiters raised the possibility of modelling opportunities with A&F.

From BBC

Related Words

• go-between
• mediator
• wholesaler