referee

[ ref-uh-ree ]

noun

1. one to whom something is referred, especially for decision or settlement; arbitrator.

   Synonyms: arbiter

2. (in certain games and sports) a judge having functions fixed by the rules of the game or sport; umpire.
3. an authority who evaluates scientific, technical, or scholarly papers, grant proposals, or the like for the publication or funding institution to which they have been submitted.
4. Law. a person selected by a court to take testimony in a case and return it to the court with recommendations as to the decision.

verb (used with object)

, ref·er·eed, ref·er·ee·ing.

1. to preside over as referee; act as referee in.

verb (used without object)

, ref·er·eed, ref·er·ee·ing.

1. to act as referee.

referee

/ ˌrɛfəˈriː /

noun

1. a person to whom reference is made, esp for an opinion, information, or a decision
2. the umpire or judge in any of various sports, esp football and boxing, responsible for ensuring fair play according to the rules
3. a person who is willing to testify to the character or capabilities of someone
4. law See Official Referee

verb

1. to act as a referee (in); preside (over)

Word History and Origins

Origin of referee¹

First recorded in 1605–15; refer + -ee

Synonym Study

See judge.

Example Sentences

Last year Forbes criticised Ross, who was an MP, MSP and professional football referee at the time, branding him “three jobs”.

From BBC

The Hammers were given the decision on the recommendation of video assistant referee Michael Oliver following Matthijs de Ligt's challenge on Danny Ings.

From BBC

David Coote, the on-field referee, had waved play on following the incident but awarded a penalty after reviewing the incident on the pitch-side monitor.

From BBC

The video of Premier League referee David Coote’s alleged expletive-laden insults about Liverpool and their former manager Jurgen Klopp carries ramifications far wider than abusive words used on shaky mobile phone footage.

From BBC

He was on video assistant referee duty for the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park in October 2020 when Virgil van Dijk sustained a season-ending knee injury after a reckless challenge in the area by Everton keeper Jordan Pickford, with no penalty being awarded.

From BBC

Related Words

• adjudicate
• arbitrate