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

Most competitors don’t have their own infrastructure and act more as a middleman between other providers. — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 5 Aug. 2026

But to keep his business afloat, Drossos is meticulous about stocking meat items that won’t be wasted and partners with local growers to carry specialty Mexican herbs without cutting a profit to a middleman. — Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026

But Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, a Muslim cleric who has acted as a middleman between the government and bandit groups, told me that economic development would be more effective than bombs. — Alexis Okeowo, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026

Look for a thriving black market where the big buyers are middlemen who boomerang the produce to new buyers at a fat profit. — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 2 Aug. 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