arbitrator

noun

ar·​bi·​tra·​tor ˈär-bə-ˌtrā-tər 

: one that arbitrates a dispute : arbiter

an impartial arbitrator

Synonyms

• 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

Records obtained by the Journal Sentinel show the two sides appear far apart in their wants, according to contract offers submitted to a state arbitrator. —David Clarey, jsonline.com, 1 Aug. 2025

In its ruling, the 8th Circuit said the arbitrators strayed beyond the contract's clear terms. —Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025

Both the league and union have the right to dismiss an arbitrator as well. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 17 July 2025

The union filed a grievance against DPS over the dispute, and an arbitrator ultimately agreed with the district that DPS did not violate the DCTA’s current contract by giving teachers a smaller raise. —Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 24 June 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