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 of middleman

• intermediary
• mediator
• broker
• negotiator
• liaison
• ambassador
• buffer

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

Fire the bankers and cut out the Wall Street middlemen sucking value. —Drew Warshaw, New York Daily News, 16 Apr. 2026

Now that movies no longer require big studios and powerful middlemen, money is shifting, too. —Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 15 Apr. 2026

Scrap prices are set by middlemen who control access to buyers. —CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2026

Perry’s assistant and his friend, who admitted acting as the actor’s middlemen, are awaiting sentencing. —Andrew Dalton, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1648, 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