# message broker

CEFR C1 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/message-broker
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Definition

a piece of software that helps different computer programs talk to each other by passing messages back and forth. It makes sure the information gets to the right place even if the programs use different languages.

For teachers: an intermediary software module that translates a message from the formal messaging protocol of the sender to the formal messaging protocol of the receiver. It decouples applications by managing the routing, transformation, and storage of data packets in distributed systems.

## Examples

- The message broker sends data between the two apps.
- Our system uses a message broker to handle thousands of orders per second without crashing the main database.
- By implementing a robust message broker, the engineering team ensured that the microservices architecture remained resilient, allowing asynchronous communication even during peak traffic spikes.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in the context of microservices and distributed computing; often paired with verbs like 'deploy' or 'configure'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.