Referee: meaning, definitions and examples
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referee
[ ˌrɛfəˈriː ]
sports
An official who watches a game or match closely to ensure that the rules are followed and to make decisions about plays.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The referee called a foul on the player for tripping.
- The referee blew the whistle to stop the play.
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.
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.
See also: refer, reference, referencer, referendum, referent, referrer.