broking: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, business, finance
Quick answer
What does “broking” mean?
The act or business of acting as an agent or intermediary in financial transactions, particularly in buying and selling securities, commodities, or insurance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act or business of acting as an agent or intermediary in financial transactions, particularly in buying and selling securities, commodities, or insurance.
Can refer to the broader professional services involved in facilitating deals, negotiations, or transactions in various markets, or the profession of being a broker.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More commonly used in British English. In American English, 'brokerage' is the dominant term for the business activity, though 'broking' is understood in financial contexts.
Connotations
In UK finance, it carries a professional, institutional connotation. In the US, it may sound slightly British or formal.
Frequency
High frequency in UK financial press and business contexts; medium-to-low frequency in general US English.
Grammar
How to Use “broking” in a Sentence
N of N (the broking of shares)Adj + N (specialist broking)N + N (insurance broking)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “broking” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She took a broking role at a Lloyd's syndicate.
- The broking fees were negotiated separately.
American English
- The broking activity is regulated by the SEC. (Less common; 'brokerage' preferred)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The firm's insurance broking division reported strong growth this quarter.
Academic
The study examined the impact of algorithmic trading on traditional equity broking.
Everyday
He works in broking, connecting buyers and sellers in the freight market. (Note: 'brokerage' more common in everyday US English)
Technical
The new regulations increased the capital requirements for inter-dealer broking activities.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “broking”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “broking”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “broking”
- Using 'broking' as a verb (incorrect: 'He is broking a deal.' Correct: 'He is brokering a deal.').
- Confusing 'broking' (activity) with 'brokerage' (business/activity).
- Spelling: 'brokering' (verb form) vs. 'broking' (noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Broking' typically refers to the act or activity of being a broker. 'Brokerage' can mean the same but also commonly refers to the business or firm itself, or the commission charged.
No. The verb is 'to broker'. 'Broking' is a noun (gerund) or adjective. 'He is brokering a deal' is correct; 'He is broking a deal' is incorrect.
British English uses 'broking' far more frequently, especially in finance and insurance. American English strongly prefers 'brokerage' for the business/activity.
Its primary use is in financial and insurance markets. It can be extended metaphorically (e.g., 'information broking'), but this is rare. For other types of mediation, 'brokering' is the more general term.
The act or business of acting as an agent or intermediary in financial transactions, particularly in buying and selling securities, commodities, or insurance.
Broking is usually formal, business, finance in register.
Broking: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbrəʊkɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbroʊkɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Broking' is the 'king' activity a 'broker' does.
Conceptual Metaphor
MARKETS ARE CONNECTIONS; BROKING IS BRIDGE-BUILDING.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'broking' MOST specifically used?