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

Since then, the case has been tied up in court as Morris and the church attempt to agree on an arbitrator. —Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Apr. 2026

After an appeal of those terms, the arbitrator issued the decision to reinstate Moran on Wednesday. —Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 2 Apr. 2026

He was reinstated to MLB by an independent arbitrator in December 2022, reducing his suspension to 194 games. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 2 Apr. 2026

Grievances over contract violations of last year’s program are expected to be heard before an arbitrator in May, the Teamsters said. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 27 Mar. 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