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

The plan, according to a statement made by Maria, was to take the newborn to a middleman waiting at a nearby superstore who would take the baby boy in exchange for payment. —Kevin Maurer, Rolling Stone, 13 Jan. 2026

Some fishermen plan to sell directly off their boats at Pier 45 and Pier 47, cutting out the middleman. —Da Lin, CBS News, 3 Jan. 2026

The council is like the middleman when making decisions, Indianapolis' Hart said. —Cate Charron, IndyStar, 30 Dec. 2025

Quince’s business model cuts out traditional middlemen like distributors to offer these high-quality materials like cashmere and silk at budget-friendly, accessible prices. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 22 Dec. 2025

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