Search Dictionary
Definition of officiate

officiate

/əˈfɪʃ.i.eɪt/
of · fi · ci · ate
Adverb:officially
•
Adjective:official
•
Past Simple:officiated
•
Past Participle:officiated
•
Present Participle:officiating
JUMP TO:

officiate Lexical Profile

officiate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To perform the duties of a priest, minister, or other authorized official at a religious service or public ceremony, such as a wedding or funeral.

Example

"A close family friend became ordained so she could officiate at their outdoor wedding ceremony."

2

To act as an official in charge of a sports contest, enforcing the rules as a referee, umpire, or judge.

Example

"Experienced referees were selected to officiate the championship tournament."

3

To discharge the duties and functions of an office or position of authority.

Example

"The deputy director was asked to officiate as head of the department until a permanent replacement was hired."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for officiate
Antonyms
View all antonyms for officiate

• Rhymes for officiate

• Nearby Words

officialdom
officially
officiant
officiate
officiation
officiator
offing

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 17th century from Medieval Latin officiatus, the past participle of officiare ('to perform divine service'), derived from Classical Latin officium ('duty, service, or office').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Officiate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/officiate
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.