definitions

referee

[ ref-uh-ree ]
/ ˌrɛf əˈri /
||

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.

RELATED CONTENT

no másRead more in this article about some frequently asked questions and fun facts related to our definitions.
READ MORE

RELATED WORDS

judge, arbiter, umpire, ref, arbitrator, arbitrate, adjudicate, conciliator, adjudicator, adjudge

Nearby words

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

Examples from the Web for refereed

British Dictionary definitions for refereed

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