arbitrator

noun

ar·​bi·​tra·​tor ˈär-bə-ˌtrā-tər 

: one that arbitrates a dispute : arbiter

an impartial arbitrator

Synonyms

• referee
• judge
• umpire

Examples of arbitrator in a Sentence

Both sides agreed to accept a decision by an impartial arbitrator.

the couple finally agreed to let the salesclerk be the final arbitrator and tell them which shirt looked best

Recent Examples on the Web

Records obtained by the Journal Sentinel show the two sides still appear far apart in their wants, according to contract offers submitted to a state arbitrator. —Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 5 Sep. 2025

The odds of a court petition would be long, however, as federal law requires judges to show deference towards arbitrators. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 Sep. 2025

To adapt to this, brands must understand how to communicate the value of their content to an entirely new set of arbitrators, including AI bots and agents. —Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025

Members of the organization are from 22 countries and include economic development planners, appraisers, investors, pension fund advisers, economists, arbitrators, brokers, lenders and finance. —Carol Cain, Freep.com, 25 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Medieval Latin arbitrātor "umpire," from Latin arbitrārī "to consider, judge, arbitrate" + -tor, agent suffix

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for arbitrator

• activator
• actuator
• agitator
• alligator
• allocator
• alternator
• animator
• annotator
• applicator
• aspirator
• aviator
• calculator

Kids Definition

arbitrator

noun

ar·​bi·​tra·​tor ˈär-bə-ˌtrāt-ər 

: a person chosen to settle differences in a disagreement

Legal Definition

arbitrator

noun

ar·​bi·​tra·​tor ˈär-bə-ˌtrā-tər 

: an impartial person or group that is given the power by disputing parties to resolve their dispute compare mediator