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 South Florida men indicted in the case played roles as investors or middlemen who received insider tips, according to court records. —Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 8 May 2026

In the end, Walmart’s system wasn’t broken; it was fractured by too many middlemen and too little accountability. —Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 8 May 2026

The contention is that the band sought to cut out TCA, the middleman, to have its relationships with sponsoring charities — like World Vision — go directly through Waterland. —Chris Willman, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026

By eliminating middlemen from the process, the brand brings these innovative products directly to consumers in a highly beneficial way. —William Jones, USA Today, 29 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