VocabDictionary

middleman

/ˈmɪd.əl.mæn/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A person or company that buys goods from producers and sells them to retailers or consumers, or one who acts as an intermediary in a negotiation or business transaction.

Example Sentences:
  • By cutting out the middleman, the farmers were able to sell their produce directly to the public at a lower price.
  • He acted as a middleman in the peace negotiations between the two warring factions.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “middleman”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Middle English 'middle' (from Old English 'middel') and 'man' (from Old English 'mann'). The term emerged in the 17th century to describe an intermediary who facilitates trade or negotiation between two parties, effectively acting as a bridge in the supply chain.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a person standing exactly in the MIDDLE of two people, passing things from one MAN to the other.

Frequently Asked Questions About “middleman

1. What is the meaning of “middleman” in English?

In English, middleman (noun) is defined as: “A person or company that buys goods from producers and sells them to retailers or consumers, or one who acts as an intermediary in a negotiation or business transaction.”.

2. How do you use “middleman” in a sentence?

By cutting out the middleman, the farmers were able to sell their produce directly to the public at a lower price.

3. What are English synonyms of “middleman”?

Common synonyms include:intermediary,broker,go-between,agent,liaison

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “middleman”?

Derived from the Middle English 'middle' (from Old English 'middel') and 'man' (from Old English 'mann'). The term emerged in the 17th century to describe an intermediary who facilitates trade or negotiation between two parties, effectively acting as a bridge in the supply chain.