noun / verb

referee

ref-uh-REE/ˌrefəˈriː/

An appointed impartial evaluator who applies relevant standards.

The referee stops the game when a player breaks a rule.

A Latina soccer referee signals a rule decision with a whistle on a soccer field.

Etymology

reLatinback

+ferLatinto carry, bear

+eeEnglishperson to whom something is referred

The image of carrying something back developed into submitting a matter to an authority for decision. A referee is the person entrusted with that decision, especially over the rules of play.

In context

FUNG BROS.22:19

playing in a basketball game or a football game and you disagree with the referee call

Why Affirmative Action Divides EVERYONE

More examples

She referees youth soccer games on weekends.
The journal asks two referees to evaluate each research paper.
He refereed the article and recommended revisions before publication.

Forms

referee · referees · refereed · refereeing

Similar words

umpire: Names a rules official especially in baseball and tennis.
reviewer: Evaluates work but may offer criticism rather than formal decisions.
judge: Often decides legal cases or scores performances rather than enforcing gameplay.