# middleman

/ˈmɪdəɫˌmæn/ (US) · /mˈɪdəlmˌæn/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/middleman
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

a person who acts as a link between two other people or groups. You use this when someone helps you buy or sell something without being the actual owner.

For teachers: a person who acts as an intermediary between two parties in a transaction or negotiation. Often used in commercial contexts to describe a broker or agent.

## Examples

- The middleman helped us find a good deal on the car.
- By using a middleman, the buyer and seller could negotiate the price without meeting each other directly.
- The rise of digital marketplaces has significantly reduced the role of the traditional middleman, allowing producers to reach consumers through direct online channels.

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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.