Middleman: meaning, definitions and examples

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middleman

 

[ ˈmɪdlˌman ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

business

A person who acts as an intermediary or agent in transactions between buyers and sellers, typically taking a commission.

Synonyms

agent, broker, intermediary

Examples of usage

  • He works as a middleman connecting suppliers with retailers.
  • The middleman helps negotiate deals between the two parties.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A person who intervenes in a dispute to bring about a settlement; a mediator.

Synonyms

arbitrator, mediator, negotiator

Examples of usage

  • They hired a middleman to help resolve the conflict.
  • The middleman successfully mediated the disagreement.

Translations

Translations of the word "middleman" in other languages:

🇵🇹 intermediário

🇮🇳 मध्यस्थ

🇩🇪 Vermittler

🇮🇩 perantara

🇺🇦 посередник

🇵🇱 pośrednik

🇯🇵 仲介者

🇫🇷 intermédiaire

🇪🇸 intermediario

🇹🇷 aracı

🇰🇷 중개인

🇸🇦 وسيط

🇨🇿 prostředník

🇸🇰 prostredník

🇨🇳 中间人

🇸🇮 posrednik

🇮🇸 milliliður

🇰🇿 делдал

🇬🇪 შუამავალი

🇦🇿 vasitəçi

🇲🇽 intermediario

Etymology

The term 'middleman' dates back to the early 19th century when it was used to describe a person who acted as an intermediary in business transactions. The role of a middleman has evolved over time, and today it refers to someone who facilitates deals between parties. The concept of a middleman has both positive and negative connotations, as they can help streamline transactions but also add an extra layer of cost. Overall, the middleman plays a crucial role in various industries by connecting buyers and sellers.

See also: middleweight, middling.