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

Example Sentences

In other situations, when there is a penalty, the league is able to help the referees determine what action to take.

From The Wall Street Journal

The lack of communication has been frustrating for players as well, Smart said, who met with referees before the Utah game as a team captain, but still had his questions dismissed.

From Los Angeles Times

The referee stopped the contest after the fourth knockdown and a jubilant Williamson claimed Simpson's belts.

From BBC

With seconds remaining in the fourth round, referee Christopher Young perhaps spoke for viewers around the world when he pulled the fighters together and urged them to engage.

From BBC

The movement envisions PdVSA as an energy regulator refereeing a privatized oil sector.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• arbiter
• arbitrator
• judge
• ref
• umpire