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

Last year, an arbitrator ruled against the director, according to court filings. — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 29 June 2026

The players union and Rozier again filed a grievance; the arbitrator ruled for the NBA. — Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 11 June 2026

Last week, the arbitrator overturned the university’s decision. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026

Flores accuses Goodell of wrongful acts and maintains the commissioner can’t credibly serve as the arbitrator with such a conflict of interest. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 26 May 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