1. a person who lends money in exchange for personal property that can be sold if the loan is not repaid

Examples

• The pawnbroker examined the gold watch carefully before offering a loan.
• She took her grandmother’s ring to the pawnbroker when she needed quick cash.
• The pawnbroker’s shop was filled with guitars, jewelry, and electronics.
• He had thirty days to repay the pawnbroker or lose his father’s tools.
• The pawnbroker offered her fifty dollars for the antique necklace.
• Local pawnbrokers must be licensed by the state government.