officiate

[uh-fish-ee-eyt]

verb (used without object)

officiated, officiating 

1. to perform the office of a member of the clergy, as at a divine service.

2. to perform the duties or function of some office or position.

3. to serve as referee, umpire, or other official in a sports contest or game.

verb (used with object)

officiated, officiating 

1. to serve as the priest or minister of (a divine service, religious ceremony, etc.).

2. to perform, carry out, or fulfill (an official duty or function).

3. to act as a referee, umpire, timekeeper, or other official for (a sports contest or game).

officiate

/ əˈfɪʃɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. to hold the position, responsibility, or function of an official

2. to conduct a religious or other ceremony

Other Word Forms

• officiation noun
• officiator noun
• unofficiated adjective
• unofficiating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of officiate¹

First recorded in 1625–35; from Medieval Latin officiātus (past participle of officiāre “to serve”), equivalent to Latin offici(um) “service, duty” + -ātus, past participle suffix; office, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of officiate¹

C17: from Medieval Latin officiāre, from Latin officium; see _office

Example Sentences

"It is a very difficult game to officiate anyway, without all the extra goings-on."

Read more on BBC

They’re in their second season of officiating basketball games in the San Fernando Valley unit.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The balls, which were delivered directly from the manufacturer to the officiating crew before each game, could be so stiff that kickers felt like they were driving their foot into an anvil.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

He was gunned down on Saturday as he officiated a candle-lighting ceremony for Day of the Dead, one of the main religious festivities in Mexico’s western Michoacán state.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The move, with the NBA working in cooperation with the National Basketball Referees Association, launches a two-phase process which is aimed at improving game flow and enhancing officiating accuracy.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• preside