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

An arbitrator ruled last May that he should be reinstated without back pay. —Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 26 June 2025

Lemieux, who scored 13 goals, including some huge ones in that ’95 playoff run, tried to void his contract with the Devils, but an arbitrator ruled with the club. —Pierre Lebrun, New York Times, 18 June 2025

The arbitrator ruled for France, who had denied wrongdoing. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 1 June 2025

An arbitrator ruled that his termination was unwarranted, in part, because the department allowed firefighters to drive fire trucks without formal training. —Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 29 May 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