broker

noun

bro·​ker ˈbrō-kər 

1

: one who acts as an intermediary: such as

a

: an agent who arranges marriages

b

: an agent who negotiates contracts of purchase and sale (as of real estate, commodities, or securities)

2

: power broker

3

: one who sells or distributes something

an information broker

broker verb

Synonyms

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

Examples of broker in a Sentence

the broker in the hostage situation was a prominent reporter that the gunman felt he could trust

all of the local yacht brokers were at the boat show

Recent Examples on the Web

But privacy experts say third-party companies could piece together breadcrumbs of data from hospital website users that could ultimately reveal patients' health information to data brokers and advertisers. —Tina Reed, Axios, 5 Sep. 2024

The Band Tried to Block Scalpers From Gouging Fans With Oasis expecting high demand for their first shows in 15 years, the Gallagher brothers looked to put protections in place, hoping to stop ticket brokers and scalpers from gouging fans with extreme markups on the secondary ticket platforms. —Ethan Millman, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2024

Sellers can still offer compensation to a buyer broker, but under the settlement, that amount can’t be listed on the MLS anymore, Novak said. —Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2024

The investigation led to money-laundering and marijuana-manufacturing charges against four co-conspirators, including a real estate broker whose office was located in a strip mall. —Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 31 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, negotiator, from Anglo-French brocour

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing broker

• honest broker
• insurance broker
• power broker

Kids Definition

broker

noun

bro·​ker ˈbrō-kər 

: a person who acts as an agent in the purchase and sale of property

Legal Definition

broker

noun

bro·​ker ˈbrō-kər 

: an agent who negotiates contracts of sale (as of real estate or securities) or other agreements (as insurance contracts or mortgages) between the parties for a fee or commission compare dealer, finder

Note: An insurance broker differs from an insurance agent in that a broker is usually considered an agent of the insured, even though he or she may receive a commission from an insurance company. A broker may sell the products of a number of insurers, and an insurer has no liability for a broker's wrongful actions. A securities broker often acts also as a dealer and so is often referred to as a broker-dealer.