arbitress

[ ahr-bi-tris ]

noun

1. a woman who is an arbiter.

arbitress

/ ˈɑːbɪtrɪs /

noun

1. a female arbitrator

Gender Note

What's the difference between arbitress and arbiter? See -ess.

Word History and Origins

Origin of arbitress¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Middle French arbitresse, equivalent to arbitre arbit(e)r + -esse -ess

Example Sentences

Lucy certainly did not look forward to a condition in which Lady Linlithgow should be the arbitress of her destiny.

From Project Gutenberg

From the first moment that you have beheld her, she has seemed the mistress of your destiny, the arbitress of your will.

From Project Gutenberg

But even this, true and healthful as it is, fades before a single word of commendation from the new arbitress of your feeling.

From Project Gutenberg

Lovely maidens arrayed as Nymphs and Graces reclined upon verdant couches around the fair arbitress of these amorous debates.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Trevelyan then related the foregoing sallies to the fair arbitress, who listened with keen relish and enjoyment.

From Project Gutenberg

About This Word

What does arbitress mean?

Arbitress is a word for a woman who is an arbitrator—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. To act as an arbitrator is to arbitrate. These terms are especially used in the context of negotiations between businesses and labor unions as well as in international disputes.

Many once widely-used gender-specific terms that identify a particular professional person as a woman (such as stewardess) are now much less commonly used. The word arbitress is particularly rare. It’s possible that a woman may use the term arbitress to identify her position or profession, but this is not common. Using the word to refer to a woman who is an arbitrator is likely to be seen as offensive due to implying that her gender is somehow relevant to her role.

Where does arbitress come from?

The first records of the word arbitress come from the 1400s. It comes from the Middle French arbitresse. The suffix -ess is used in the feminine form of nouns, as in goddess and empress.

Did you know ... ?

What are some synonyms for arbitress?

• arbitrator

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

• arbitration
• stewardess