wheeler-dealer

noun

wheel·​er-deal·​er ˌ(h)wē-lər-ˈdē-lər How to pronounce wheeler-dealer (audio)
: a shrewd operator especially in business or politics

Examples of wheeler-dealer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Delon was perfectly cast as a wheeler-dealer stockbroker who becomes involved with Vitti’s character but is unwilling and unable to satisfy her emotional needs. Carmel Dagan, Variety, 18 Aug. 2024 Indeed, her self-branding as a wheeler-dealer is yet another step in her savvy journey up the industry ladder. David Sims, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2024 An opportunity presents itself via shady Viennese wheeler-dealer Bruno Reiter (Joel Basman), who enlists Lubo’s help to smuggle jewelry and other valuables across the border. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019 The Dutchman as exploitative wheeler-dealer David and Christopher Alden, twins, have made parallel careers as controversial stage directors. Scott Cantrell, Dallas News, 8 Aug. 2023 Advertisement And Boddie is a knockout as Roosevelt, a wheeler-dealer and golf enthusiast. Celia Wren, Washington Post, 19 June 2023 In some ways, Moss-Bachrach’s Richie is the most intriguing character of all (with the possible exception of whenever the great Oliver Platt shows up for a scene as the wheeler-dealer Uncle Jimmy). Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 19 June 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wheeler-dealer was in 1954

Dictionary Entries Near wheeler-dealer

Cite this Entry

“Wheeler-dealer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wheeler-dealer. Accessed 16 Dec. 2024.

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