middleman

noun

mid·​dle·​man ˈmi-dᵊl-ˌman How to pronounce middleman (audio)
Synonyms of middlemannext
: 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 of middleman

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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
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.
Changing spending habits Other Democratic megadonors are simply cutting out the middleman, picking individual races and candidates to support. — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026 Saman admitted to purchasing much of his inventory from brokers or middlemen, which the department identified as illegitimate distributors of the brands. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026 Pharmacists have long argued that middlemen called pharmacy benefit managers (PBM)—which manage prescription drug benefits for insurers—reimburse pharmacies too little for many medications, cutting into pharmacy margins. — Alana Semuels, Time, 7 Oct. 2026 But these middlemen have become bipartisan punching bags, accused of sucking up profits at the expense of employers, governments, and patients. — Blake Farmer, NPR, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for middleman

Word History

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of middleman was in 1648

Rhymes for middleman

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Browse Nearby Words

Middle Low German
middleman
middle management
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Cite this Entry

“Middleman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/middleman. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

middleman

noun
mid·​dle·​man ˈmid-ᵊl-ˌman How to pronounce middleman (audio)
: go-between
especially : a dealer between the producer of goods and the consumer
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