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

An 1899 decision by arbitrators from Britain, Russia and the United States drew the border along the Essequibo River largely in favor of Guyana. —Mike Corder, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026

An arbitrator upheld the six games following an appeal. —ABC News, 5 May 2026

The arbitrator doesn’t necessarily have the final say, either. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 28 Apr. 2026

Having a neutral arbitrator hear teacher termination cases, like many public employees, would ensure fairness when a teacher’s career is on the line. —Rep. Nick Menapace, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 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