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

• broker
• buffer
• conciliator
• go-between
• honest broker
• interceder
• intercessor
• intermediary
• intermediate
• interposer
• mediator
• peacemaker

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

This keeps people accountable while eliminating unnecessary costs and middlemen. —Lisel Petis, Boston Herald, 29 Mar. 2025

Another option may be to remove the middleman and watch CHSN on free TV. —Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2025

This is the first instance of Washington targeting a Chinese refinery directly instead of focusing on middlemen or transporters. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025

Also, universities have started cutting their ties with for-profit middlemen, called online program managers, which take big cuts of up to 80% of revenues. —Jon Marcus, NPR, 15 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1677, 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