Referee: meaning, definitions and examples

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referee

[ ˌrɛfəˈriː ]

^{Context #1}

sports

An official who watches a game or match closely to ensure that the rules are followed and to make decisions about plays.

Synonyms

judge, official, umpire

Examples of usage

The referee called a foul on the player for tripping.
The referee blew the whistle to stop the play.

^{Context #2}

legal

A person who is chosen to decide a dispute or settle differences between parties.

Synonyms

adjudicator, arbitrator, mediator

Examples of usage

The judge appointed a referee to handle the complex case.
The referee's decision was final and binding.

^{Context #3}

general

To act as a referee in a game or match.

Synonyms

judge, officiate, umpire

Examples of usage

He volunteered to referee the soccer game.
She will referee the championship match.

Translations

Translations of the word "referee" in other languages:

🇵🇹 árbitro

🇮🇳 रेफरी

🇩🇪 Schiedsrichter

🇮🇩 wasit

🇺🇦 рефері

🇵🇱 sędzia

🇯🇵 審判

🇫🇷 arbitre

🇪🇸 árbitro

🇹🇷 hakem

🇰🇷 심판

🇸🇦 حكم

🇨🇿 rozhodčí

🇸🇰 rozhodca

🇨🇳 裁判

🇸🇮 sodnik

🇮🇸 dómari

🇰🇿 төреші

🇬🇪 მსაჯი

🇦🇿 hakim

🇲🇽 árbitro

Word origin

The word 'referee' originated in the 1540s, borrowed from the Middle French word 'référé' meaning 'consulted'. It was first used in the context of sports in the early 19th century to describe an official who oversees a game. Over time, the term expanded to include legal contexts where a referee is appointed to resolve disputes. The verb form 'referee' emerged later to describe the action of officiating or judging a match.