referee

[ ref-uh-ree ]

/ ˌrɛf əˈri /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR referee ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

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

(in certain games and sports) a judge having functions fixed by the rules of the game or sport; umpire.

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.

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.

to preside over as referee; act as referee in.

verb (used without object), ref·er·eed, ref·er·ee·ing.

to act as referee.

Nearby words

refection, refectory, refectory table, refel, refer, referee, reference, reference book, reference electrode, reference frame, reference group

Origin of referee

First recorded in 1605–15; refer + -ee

SYNONYMS FOR referee

1 arbiter. See judge.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR referee ON THESAURUS.COM

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for referee

In the absence of any over-arching rebel military leadership, there is no one to referee disputes before they get out of hand.
Time Is Running Out for Obama on Syria|Jamie Dettmer|October 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
During the heated contest versus Big Piney, Kane tells us that even the referee told him, “You guys are nothing but filthy slobs.”
Native American Basketball Team in Wyoming Have Hoop Dreams Of Their Own|Robert Silverman|August 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The chants grew so loud that the referee wanted to stop the game.
Will Jozy Altidore Be Team USA’s World Cup Savior vs. Belgium?|Emily Shire|July 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
An inquiry headed by the Police Ombudsman, a sort of referee figure, came down against the informer allegation.
Sinn Fein Boss Gerry Adams Wanted This Murder Bust|Ed Moloney|May 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST

I remember my coach standing up to a referee and another coach who challenged my right to play.
The NCAA’s First Sikh Basketball Player Memorialized at the Smithsonian|Simran Jeet Singh|March 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Vicious remarks were aimed at him while the referee was not near enough to hear.
The Upward Path|Various
Frank Barringer was timekeeper and referee, and at the appointed hour he made both teams line up and catch hold of the rope.
The Mystery at Putnam Hall|Arthur M. Winfield
The case went to a referee and the referee took four years to hear the case and decide it.
The Modern Railroad|Edward Hungerford
I turned to the Referee, saw his arms raised and heard him say 'Goal' and then everything broke loose.
Football Days|William H. Edwards
No player or referee has ever accused him of a wilful foul, and he has nothing except honest and straightforward play and skill.
Association Football|John Cameron

British Dictionary definitions for referee

referee

/ (ˌrɛfəˈriː) /

noun

a person to whom reference is made, esp for an opinion, information, or a decision

the umpire or judge in any of various sports, esp football and boxing, responsible for ensuring fair play according to the rules

a person who is willing to testify to the character or capabilities of someone

law See Official Referee

verb -ees, -eeing or -eed

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012