referee

American  

[ref-uh-ree] / ˌrɛf əˈri /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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verb

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

Usage

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?

Related Words

See judge.

Etymology

Origin of referee

First recorded in 1605–15; refer + -ee

Explanation

That guy on the field in black and white stripes? He's a referee, an official in a sport like football or basketball who enforces the rules. In sports, referees are there to make sure the rules are followed and everyone gets a fair shake. This word works as both a noun and a verb: referees referee games. Off the court, the world is full of everyday referees. A court appointed lawyer who investigates and reports on a case is a referee. And academics who evaluate each other's work are referees. In all cases, referees get to make official calls on what's OK and not OK.

Example Sentences

Flight attendants are there primarily to ensure safety, Rosenberg said, not to referee social dynamics: “There should not be an expectation that flight attendants will settle armrest disputes.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

The Office of Legal Counsel serves as the president’s quasi in-house lawyer, offering legal analysis on the permissibility of the executive branch’s actions while also playing referee between federal agencies when they disagree.

From Slate • Apr. 9, 2026

Quins had been warned over repeated infringements by referee Luc Ramos and when Will Evans was sin-binned, Sale took full advantage as Cowan-Dickie rumbled over at the back of a line-out maul.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

He stamps his feet, whirls his arms and screams at whichever referee is unlucky enough to be within earshot.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Both girls salute each other, the referee, the audience.

From "Black Brother, Black Brother" by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Related Words

• arbiter
• arbitrator
• judge
• ref
• umpire