noun
Common
broker
BROH-kuh
Broker (noun) means a person or firm that arranges deals between a buyer and a seller, often for a fee. Example: “Our mortgage broker found us a better interest rate.”
noun
1
A person or firm that arranges deals between a buyer and a seller, often for a fee.
"Our mortgage broker found us a better interest rate."
"She works as a stockbroker in the city."
"A good insurance broker will compare several companies to find you the best deal."
verb
1
To arrange or negotiate a deal between other parties.
"The United Nations helped broker a ceasefire between the two countries."
"Neighbours tried to broker a peace between the two arguing families."
"She helped broker an agreement between the school and the parents' group."
How to use broker
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone (or something) that arranges a deal between two other parties, or the act of arranging that deal.
Common pairings
stockbroker
real estate broker
broker a deal
insurance broker
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Word forms
- Plural
- brokers
- Third person singular
- brokers
- Past tense
- brokered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Our mortgage _____ found us a better interest rate.
Etymology
From Middle English brocour, ultimately traced to an Old Dutch word for someone who determines trade customs — related to "brook" in its old sense of "to use" or "profit by."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for broker
See all rhymes for broker →Frequently asked questions
What does “broker” mean?
The word “broker” means a person or firm that arranges deals between a buyer and a seller, often for a fee. In plain terms, someone (or something) that arranges a deal between two other parties, or the act of arranging that deal.
How do you pronounce “broker”?
“Broker” is pronounced BROH-kuh (/ˈbɹoʊkɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “broker” in a sentence?
Here is “broker” used in a sentence: “Our mortgage broker found us a better interest rate.”
What part of speech is “broker”?
Depending on how it is used, “broker” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “broker” come from?
The word “broker” comes from Middle English. From Middle English brocour, ultimately traced to an Old Dutch word for someone who determines trade customs — related to "brook" in its old sense of "to use" or "profit by.".
Is “broker” a common word?
“Broker” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “broker” have?
“Broker” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person or firm that arranges deals between a buyer and a seller, often for a fee.
What is the difference between a broker and an agent?
A broker independently arranges deals between buyers and sellers and can often represent either side, usually for a fee or commission. An agent typically acts on behalf of one party or works under a broker, so brokers generally hold broader authority and responsibility.
What is the difference between a broker and a dealer?
A broker arranges transactions between other parties without owning the goods or assets involved, earning a fee for making the match. A dealer buys and sells for their own account, taking ownership and profiting from the price difference rather than from a commission.
Is a broker the same as a middleman?
A broker is a type of middleman, but the term specifically implies arranging deals professionally, often for a regulated fee or commission, as with a stockbroker or insurance broker. Middleman is a more general, informal word for anyone who comes between two parties in a transaction.
