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

Sustainable synthesis Using a biological middleman, this innovative method replaces the pharmaceutical industry’s heavy reliance on finite fossil fuels and toxic chemical synthesis with a sustainable circular carbon economy. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Mar. 2026

New York has just shifted its home health care middleman to a single company, supposedly streamlining the process and saving money. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 2026

There is no middleman, no insurance company. —Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026

Clase’s lawyers also requested severance from another co-defendant, Robinson Vasquez Germosen, who is accused of serving as a middleman between Clase and bettors in the Dominican Republic. —Zack Meisel, New York Times, 7 Mar. 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