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

The parties agree that any disputes regarding the validity or enforceability of the Class Action Waiver may only be resolved by a civil court of competent jurisdiction and not by an arbitrator. —Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2025

In August the casino filed a motion in federal court to dismiss the second arbitrator’s award. —JosÉ Luis Villegas, Sacbee.com, 19 Nov. 2025

To the extent the arbitrator believes this dispute should have been addressed through NFL and NFLPA cooperation, the NFL can insist that approach was tried and failed. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 18 Nov. 2025

Kiffin filed a grievance to recover the lost pay, but an NFL arbitrator ruled in favor of the Raiders. —Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Nov. 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