arbitrator

[ ahr-bi-trey-ter ]

noun

1. a person chosen to decide a dispute or settle differences, especially one formally empowered to examine the facts and decide the issue.

Word History and Origins

Origin of arbitrator¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English arbitratour, from Late Latin, from Latin arbitrātor; equivalent to arbitrate + -tor

Example Sentences

Towns that want to cut costs can face state arbitrators that may side with the unions.

From ProPublica

Two school buildings are unable to open Tuesday because the arbitrator found that the proper reopening protocol, which requires teachers and parents to participate in an extensive building walk through, was not followed.

From Washington Post

Following counterprotests, the two officers were reinstated by an arbitrator.

From Washington Post

Google fears that publishers will overvalue their own content as a tactic, forcing arbitration where arbitrators would be able to impose content-licensing fees on the company without a right to appeal.

From Search Engine Land

The parties can appoint the arbitrator or they can be assigned arbitrators by the Australian Communications and Media Authority.

From Digiday

They preferred having an independent arbitrator in place to hear any and all appeals.

From The Daily Beast

Their main role is to keep each other in check so he can be the final arbitrator or judge.

From The Daily Beast

The Getty in turn filed motions to keep Turner from discussing any of this, which the presiding arbitrator rejected.

From The Daily Beast

I was proud of my début as an arbitrator, especially as it was rewarded by, what seemed to me then, a very handsome fee.

From Project Gutenberg

Want of union, want of mutual assistance, want of a common arbitrator to resort to in their differences.

From Project Gutenberg

Here is the duty of arbitrator and peacemaker, but no power or control.

From Project Gutenberg

Yes, very likely there would be if they had not appointed me as arbitrator.

From Project Gutenberg

The two have a sharp dispute, which is summed up by sop as arbitrator.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• arbiter
• go-between
• judge
• mediator
• referee
• umpire

More About Arbitrator

What is an arbitrator?

An arbitrator is an independent, impartial third party that works to settle a dispute between two opposing sides, often by making a decision that they both agree to.

This process is called arbitration. For a process to be considered arbitration, it must involve an arbitrator, which can be a single person or a team of people. To act as an arbitrator is to arbitrate. Arbitrate can also mean to try to settle a dispute through arbitration, as in If we can’t come to an agreement, we may need to arbitrate.

The terms arbitrator and arbitration are especially used in the context of negotiations between businesses and labor unions. When the two sides can’t agree and negotiations are unproductive, they may seek to pursue arbitration by bringing in an arbitrator.

An arbitration process in which the arbitrator’s decision must be accepted by both parties is sometimes called binding arbitration—meaning the arbitrator’s decision is final and legally binding.

Example: After weeks of negotiations stalled and resulted in an impasse, the two sides agreed to bring in an arbitrator.

Where does arbitrator come from?

The first records of the word arbitrator come from the 1400s. It ultimately comes from the Latin verb arbitrāri, meaning “to give judgment.” The ending -tor is used in nouns that refer to a person who performs a specific action—in this case, the action of arbitrating.

Arbitrator is typically used in a more specific way than the word mediator, and the same is true for arbitration and mediation. Mediation generally refers to a process in which an impartial third party (called a mediator) helps parties to settle a dispute or create agreement by acting as an intermediary. This can happen in the workplace or simply among friends, for example.

In contrast, arbitration typically refers to a more formal form of mediation (often one that happens in a legal context), and an arbitrator acts in an official capacity.

• Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to arbitrator?

• arbitrate (verb)

What are some synonyms for arbitrator?

• adjudicator
• arbitrer (largely obsolete)

What are some words that share a root or word element with arbitrator? 

 

• arbitration
• arbitrable
• arbitrary

 

 

What are some words that often get used in discussing arbitrator?

 

• independent
• third party
• outside
• labor union
• dispute
• negotiations
• agreement
• compromise
• ruling
• decision
• mediation
• court

 

 

 

 

How is arbitrator used in real life?

Arbitrator is most commonly used in the context of labor disputes. It usually refers to an official role.

In Philadelphia, 9 out of 10 cops fired by police chief are reinstated by an outside arbitrator, reports @JohnMillerCBS

— CBS This Morning (@CBSThisMorning) March 6, 2013

Under Virginia’s new balance billing law that takes effect Jan. 1, 2021, #insurance companies & out-of-network health care providers who cannot agree on a payment amount for service must utilize an arbitrator to determine the final payment amount & resolve the dispute. pic.twitter.com/L1BUaSusZK

— Virginia State Corporation Commission (@VAStateCorpComm) December 14, 2020

Today’s ruling against the NFL marks 4 times that an outside arbitrator overturned Goodell’s punishment of a player: http://t.co/AKVrYNzKXk

— Forbes (@Forbes) September 3, 2015

Try using arbitrator!

True or False? 

The word arbitrator typically refers to a third party working in an official capacity to settle a dispute between opposing sides.