A pawnbroker is a person who lends people money. People give the pawnbroker something they own,which can be sold if they do not pay back the money before a certain time.
pawnbroker in British English
(ˈpɔːnˌbrəʊkə)
noun
a dealer licensed to lend money at a specified rate of interest on the security of movable personal property, which can be sold if the loan is not repaid within a specified period
Derived forms
pawnbroking (ˈpawnˌbroking)
noun
pawnbroker in American English
(ˈpɔnˌbroʊkər)
noun
a person licensed to lend money at a legally specified rate of interest on articles of personal property left as security
Derived forms
pawnbroking (ˈpawnˌbroking)
noun
Word origin
pawn1 + broker
Examples of 'pawnbroker' in a sentence
pawnbroker
BRITAIN'S biggest pawnbroker has ousted its chief executive after blaming the plunge in the gold price for a sudden drop in profits.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
BRITAIN'S largest pawnbroker is planning to open 30 new stores during the next three years.
The Sun (2009)
Britain's largest pawnbroker is picking over the remains of its stricken rival to find new locations.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
THE number of tradesmen turning to Britain's biggest pawnbroker for a loan has soared as banks snub small businesses.
The Sun (2012)
In other languages
pawnbroker
British English: pawnbroker /ˈpɔːnˌbrəʊkə/ NOUN
A pawnbroker is a person who will lend you money if you give them something that you own. The pawnbroker can sell that thing if you do not pay back the money before a certain time.