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

Since retiring from the bench, she has continued to work as an arbitrator and is a partner at a local injury law firm.

From Los Angeles Times

This monitor would be copied on reports from either side about settlement violations that would eventually lead to “non-binding, advisory only” decisions by a separate arbitrator.

From Los Angeles Times

The arbitration is still ongoing but in the first phase the arbitrator ruled in favor of the band and against Mars.

From Los Angeles Times

Still, Bush’s attorneys continued to challenge the ruling by arguing that Benz had exceeded his authority as the arbitrator.

From Los Angeles Times

Both parties have accused the other of fractured ethics and corruption, and even an independent arbitrator likened the situation to a simmering cauldron.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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

When To Use

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.