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 Word Forms

• brokership noun
• subbroker 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

It described Qatar as "a sovereign nation and close ally of the United States that is working very hard and bravely taking risks with us to broker peace".

From BBC

Berman’s bill would ban online marketplaces where dogs are sold by brokers, which is defined as any person or business that sells or transports a dog bred by someone else for profit.

From Los Angeles Times

Her lawyer has said James helped a family member buy the property and notified the mortgage broker at the time that it would not be her primary residence.

From Salon

Agricultural brokers have told the BBC that they have seen a surge in interest in trade with China from exporters around the world.

From BBC

The 2020 Abraham Accords, which were brokered by the US, saw the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco establish full diplomatic relations with Israel.

From BBC

Related Words

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