referee
referee Lexical Profile
referee Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An official who watches a game or match closely to ensure that the rules are adhered to and to arbitrate on matters arising from the play.
"The referee blew the whistle to signal the end of the first half."
An expert who evaluates a scholarly manuscript or research proposal to determine whether it is suitable for publication or funding, or a person willing to testify to the character and abilities of a job applicant.
"Both anonymous referees recommended that the paper be accepted for publication with minor revisions."
A person to whom a dispute or legal matter is referred for decision or settlement; an arbitrator.
"The court appointed an independent referee to oversee the division of the contested estate."
• verb
To act as an official in charge of a sports game or match, or to settle a dispute between opposing parties.
"She volunteered to referee the youth championship match on Saturday morning."
To evaluate a scholarly article or research paper as an expert prior to publication.
"The journal editors asked him to referee three manuscripts on quantum mechanics this semester."
• Rhymes for referee
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the early 17th century from the verb 'refer' and the French-derived passive suffix '-ee', originally denoting a person in law or politics to whom a dispute was referred for settlement before being adopted in sports in the mid-19th century.