verb

officiate

uh-FISH-ee-ayt/əˈfɪʃieɪt/

To preside over an event in an authorized role.

A local judge officiates at their wedding in the courthouse.

A civil wedding officiant conducts a ring exchange, standing behind an older bride and groom with an open ceremony folder and a guiding gesture.

Etymology

officiateLatinto perform religious services

The ancestral verb meant performing religious services, and English initially used officiate for a priest's duties. That ceremonial role provides the connection to performing official duties at an event.

In context

Graham Nash5:45

but my wife as mayor s and i have to officiate all sorts of functions opening our annual river carnival

I am Mayor of Maidenhead 1960

More examples

Only certified referees can officiate at these basketball games.
The minister is scheduled to officiate at the funeral.
She has officiated at dozens of wedding ceremonies.

Forms

officiate · officiates · officiated · officiating

officiant noun — A person authorized to lead a ceremony.

Similar words

preside: Emphasizes leading an event, not necessarily performing ceremonial duties.
referee: Specifically means supervising a competition and enforcing its rules.