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Definition of pawnbroker

pawnbroker

/ˈpɔːnˌbroʊkər/
pawn · bro · ker
Plural:pawnbrokers
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pawnbroker Lexical Profile

pawnbroker Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person or business licensed to lend money at interest in exchange for personal property deposited as collateral, with the right to sell the item if the loan is not repaid within a specified period.

Example

"Needing quick cash to cover unexpected medical bills, he took his grandfather's gold watch to a local pawnbroker."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for pawnbroker

• Nearby Words

paw
pawcatuck
pawn
pawnbroker
pawnbroking
pawnee
pawnshop

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 17th century by combining 'pawn' (from Old French 'pan', meaning a pledge or security) and 'broker' (from Anglo-Norman 'brocour', a retailer or middleman).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Pawnbroker. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/pawnbroker
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