Referee

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˌɹɛf.əˈɹiː/
• US IPA: /ËŒrÉ›fəˈriː/
• Rhymes: -iː

Origin

Middle English, from Old French past participle of referer ("to relate, to refer"), from Latin referre ("to carry back, to report, to notify"); as if refer + -ee, that is, the person to whom something is referred for consideration.

Full definition of referee

Noun

1. (sports) An umpire or judge; the official who makes sure the rules are followed during a game
• 'The referee kicked Jim out of the game for fighting.'
2. A person who settles a dispute
3. A person who writes a letter of reference or provides a reference by phone call for someone
• 'Your application, along with letters from three referees, should be received by January 31.'
4. An expert who judges the manuscript of an article or book to decide if it should be published

Usage notes

In general, a referee moves around with the game, while an umpire stays (approximately) in one place.

Related terms

• ref
• umpire

Verb

1. To act as a referee.
• 'He has to referee three hockey games this weekend.'
• 'She has to finish refereeing an article for Nature.'