referee

[ ref-uh-ree ]
/ ˌrɛf əˈri /

noun

one to whom something is referred, especially for decision or settlement; arbitrator.
(in certain games and sports) a judge having functions fixed by the rules of the game or sport; umpire.
an authority who evaluates scientific, technical, or scholarly papers, grant proposals, or the like for the publication or funding institution to which they have been submitted.
Law. a person selected by a court to take testimony in a case and return it to the court with recommendations as to the decision.

verb (used with object), ref·er·eed, ref·er·ee·ing.

to preside over as referee; act as referee in.

verb (used without object), ref·er·eed, ref·er·ee·ing.

to act as referee.

Origin of referee

First recorded in 1605–15; refer + -ee

Example sentences from the Web for referee

British Dictionary definitions for referee

referee
/ (ˌrɛfəˈriː) /

noun

a person to whom reference is made, esp for an opinion, information, or a decision
the umpire or judge in any of various sports, esp football and boxing, responsible for ensuring fair play according to the rules
a person who is willing to testify to the character or capabilities of someone

verb -ees, -eeing or -eed

to act as a referee (in); preside (over)