moderator

noun

mod·​er·​a·​tor ˈmä-də-ˌrā-tər How to pronounce moderator (audio)
plural moderators
1
: someone who presides over an assembly, meeting, or discussion: such as
a
: the chairman of a discussion group
b
: a person who administers an online forum, chat room, or group
c
: the nonpartisan presiding officer of a town meeting
d
: the presiding officer of a Presbyterian governing body
2
: one who arbitrates : mediator
3
: a substance (such as graphite) used for slowing neutrons in a nuclear reactor
moderatorship noun

Examples of moderator in a Sentence

The moderator allowed audience members to ask the governor questions. She acts as the moderator in our office meetings.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After a warm Thursday morning introduction from moderator Whoopi Goldberg ahead of Biden's live interview with all six View cohosts, the panelists inquired about a long list of developments that unfolded across the last year — including Harris' devastating loss to Trump. Joey Nolfi Published, EW.com, 8 May 2025 During a panel on the subject at the PEN America World Voices Festival on May 2 in New York City, the author spoke with writer André Aciman (Call Me By Your Name) and moderator Soraya Nadia McDonald about her experience seeing her books developed for the big screen. Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 5 May 2025 The tour will continue with other special guests and moderators, concluding in London on June 4. Caché McClay, USA Today, 2 May 2025 O’Reilly also debated fellow moderator Smith as well as guests such as James Carville during the two-hour forum that also featured questions from a live studio audience and viewers who submitted questions via social media. Julia Mueller, The Hill, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for moderator

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1560, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of moderator was circa 1560

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Moderator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moderator. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

moderator

noun
mod·​er·​a·​tor ˈmäd-ə-ˌrāt-ər How to pronounce moderator (audio)
1
: one that moderates: as
a
: the leader of a Presbyterian governing body
b
: the chairperson of a town meeting
c
: the chairperson of a discussion group (as on television)
2
: a substance (as graphite) used for slowing down neutrons in a nuclear reactor

Medical Definition

moderator

noun
mod·​er·​a·​tor ˈmäd-ə-ˌrāt-ər How to pronounce moderator (audio)
: a substance (as graphite, deuterium in heavy water, or beryllium) used for slowing down neutrons in a nuclear reactor

More from Merriam-Webster on moderator

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