referee

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   An umpire or judge; an official who makes sure the rules are followed during a game.

   The referee kicked Jim out of the game for fighting.

2. 2
   noun

   A person who writes a letter of reference or provides a reference by phone call for someone. US English: reference.

   Your application, along with letters from three referees, should be received by January 31.

3. 3
   verb

   To act as a referee.

   He has to referee three hockey games this weekend.

4. 4
   noun

   (sports) the chief official (as in boxing or American football) who is expected to ensure fair play

5. 5
   noun

   an attorney appointed by a court to investigate and report on a case

6. 6
   noun

   someone who reads manuscripts and judges their suitability for publication

7. 7
   verb

   evaluate professionally a colleague's work

8. 8
   verb

   be a referee or umpire in a sports competition

Etymology

From Middle English [Term?], from past participle of Old French referer (“to relate, to refer”), from Latin referre (“to carry back, to report, to notify”); as if refer + -ee, that is, the person to whom something is referred for consideration.