arbitrator

noun

ar·​bi·​tra·​tor ˈär-bə-ˌtrā-tər 

: one that arbitrates a dispute : arbiter

an impartial arbitrator

Synonyms of arbitrator

• 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

Dern served as an arbitrator and mediator in entertainment and labor disputes starting in 1967. — Pat Saperstein, Variety, 21 July 2026

The arbitrators threw out 14% of the cases, ruling in favor of Kaiser’s motion for summary judgment, and dismissed an additional 5% of cases on technical or procedural grounds. — Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026

The Blue Jackets and Greaves can avoid that hearing by reaching terms on a new contract any time between now and the point at which the arbitrator begins deliberating after hearing both sides’ arguments. — Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 20 July 2026

Rather than implementing the judgment, the city argued the parties’ new collective bargaining agreement superseded parts of the arbitration award because it was negotiated after the arbitrator issued his decision. — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026

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