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

An arbitrator is "most often a lawyer who does this for a living," he said, who can "act like a judge and a jury".

From BBC

The case went to arbitration and an arbitrator found in favor of the PR firm.

From Los Angeles Times

As city leaders mull LAPD’s discipline system, focus turns to the civilian arbitrators who decide if an officer accused of misconduct should be fired.

From Los Angeles Times

Like in the case of the Chinese swimmers, the arbitrator had found the result was likely caused by contaminated meat.

From BBC

Dunn contested his firing and filed a wrongful termination suit against the State Bar, but an arbitrator in 2017 rejected his claims and found that the bar had committed no wrongdoing in ousting him.

From Los Angeles Times

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.