middleman

noun

mid·​dle·​man ˈmi-dᵊl-ˌman 

: an intermediary or agent between two parties

especially : a dealer, agent, or company intermediate between the producer of goods and the retailer or consumer

Synonyms

• broker
• buffer
• conciliator
• go-between
• honest broker
• interceder
• intercessor
• intermediary
• intermediate
• interposer
• mediator
• peacemaker

Examples of middleman in a Sentence

The Internet helps consumers save money by buying products directly from companies and eliminating the middleman.

We've cut out the middleman and can reduce prices for our customers.

He acted as the middleman in the talks between labor and management.

Recent Examples on the Web

There’s no middleman, there’s no subscription costs, unless that artist chooses to do that. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 4 June 2025

Reports over the weekend suggested the pharmacy giant was looking to close all 23 of its stores in the state, ahead of legislation which prevents drug middlemen, known as Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), from owning and operating pharmacies. —Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025

Soon Akasha had cut out the middleman and was having the shipments sent to friends under fake names. —Andy Greenberg, Wired News, 22 May 2025

Shortly after helping Freddie off the ledge, Harry meets McAllister's middleman, Donnie. —Matt Cabral, EW.com, 18 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1677, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for middleman

• businessman
• canavan
• caravan
• constantan
• dragoman
• fisherman
• handyman
• harmattan
• journeyman
• marianne
• minivan
• minuteman

Kids Definition

middleman

noun

mid·​dle·​man ˈmid-ᵊl-ˌman 

: go-between

especially : a dealer between the producer of goods and the consumer