Referee: meaning, definitions and examples

In sports contexts, particularly in team games such as soccer, rugby, and basketball. Referees are responsible for enforcing rules during the game.

• The referee issued a yellow card for the foul.
• The referee blew the whistle to end the match.

In sports contexts, primarily in baseball, cricket, and tennis. Umpires make crucial decisions and enforce rules within the game.

• The umpire called a strike.
• The cricket umpire signaled a six after the batsman hit the ball.

Used to describe someone in an authorized position, often within governmental, corporate, or organizational contexts. This term is general and can apply to various roles.

• The government official announced new policies.
• An official from the company visited the factory.

In legal contexts, judges oversee court cases and make legal decisions. It can also be used generally when someone makes a decision or assessment.

• The judge sentenced the defendant to five years in prison.
• The art competition was tough, but the judge finally chose a winner.

In addition to sports, 'referee' can also be used in contexts such as job applications to refer to someone who provides a reference or recommendation.

• You can list your previous employer as a referee on your job application.
• She asked her professor to be a referee for her graduate school application.

Used primarily in legal or business settings to refer to someone who settles disputes outside of court, often in arbitration proceedings.

• They hired an arbitrator to resolve the contract disagreement.
• The arbitrator's decision is legally binding for both parties.

Typically used in conflict resolution to describe someone who helps two or more parties come to an agreement, often in personal, workplace, or diplomatic disputes.

• A mediator helped the employees reach an agreement with management.
• The divorce mediator facilitated a peaceful settlement.

Typically used in formal or competitive contexts such as legal settings, competitions, or debates to describe a person who makes judgments or decisions.

• The adjudicator of the debate competition declared the winner.
• A music competition adjudicator gave high marks for her performance.

Used mainly in sports where the official moves along with the players on the field or court. Typically seen in games like soccer, basketball, and boxing.

• The referee blew the whistle to start the game.
• As a referee, he has to make important decisions quickly.

Refers to overseeing a sport or activity as an official. It is a more formal term and can be used generally for various types of officiating roles.

• They asked him to officiate the wedding ceremony.
• She will officiate the volleyball match tomorrow.

Specifically used in sports like baseball and cricket where the official stays relatively stationary and makes calls from a fixed position.

• The umpire called the runner out at first base.
• He has been an umpire for minor league games for many years.

Most commonly associated with the legal system, but also used in contexts where a formal evaluation or scoring is required, such as talent shows or competitions.

• The judge sentenced the defendant to five years in prison.
• She was one of the judges at the dance competition.