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)

refereed, refereeing 

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

verb (used without object)

refereed, refereeing 

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

Premier League referee Anthony Taylor has criticised the "expectation of perfection" culture that officials are subject to, and says his family no longer go to his matches because of the abuse he receives.

Read more on BBC

The score was upheld upon review after referees determined that Bennett was tripped before hitting Skinner.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

In past years, Kaczanowski recruited referees to officiate the full day’s slate of events.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

And yet, each time he reacts - pointing to the stands, asking referees to act, refusing to pretend it didn't happen - the same voices reappear: "Yes, they insult him, but he should behave better."

Read more on BBC

It’s a sign that democracy’s referees are being replaced by players.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• arbiter 
• arbitrator 
• judge 
• ref 
• umpire 

When To Use

What does referee mean?

The word referee most commonly refers to an official in a sporting event who enforces the rules of the game.In sports, referees do things like call fouls and stop play when there has been a violation of the rules. Basketball, football, and soccer are examples of sports that used this kind of referee. In the context of sports, the word referee is commonly shortened with the informal term ref.The word referee is also sometimes used to refer to a person who acts as a formal authority or arbitrator in some kind of decision, such as a legal case. Sometimes, the word refers to a person who’s responsible for reviewing scientific or academic papers or grant proposals.Referee can also be used in a figurative way to refer to someone who has to enforce the rules in some situation, as in I spent the afternoon playing referee to several toddlers.In all of its senses, referee can be used as a verb meaning to act as a referee, as in I signed up to referee my daughter’s soccer games. Example: I’ve never understood why players argue with referees—have you ever seen one reverse their call?