ENGLISH
REFERENCE

referee

n. · v.
US //ˌɹɛfɝˈi// UK //ɹˌɛfəɹˈiː// ref·er·ee
  1. 1 sports official (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Sport

    the official who makes sure players follow the rules during a sports match.

    an official who oversees a sports match to ensure adherence to the rules and to adjudicate on play.

    Example

    The referee blew his whistle to stop the game after a foul.

    Example

    The referee faced intense scrutiny from the media after several controversial decisions influenced the final score of the championship match.
  2. 2 job recommendation (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate British English

    a person who provides a letter or statement about your character and abilities when you apply for a job.

    a person who provides a professional or character reference for a job applicant. In American English, the term 'reference' is more common for the person.

    Example

    I asked my former manager to be a referee for my new job application.

    Example

    Candidates are required to provide the contact details of two referees who can attest to their professional conduct and technical expertise.

    Usage

    In British English, 'referee' refers to the person; in American English, 'reference' is used for both the person and the document.
  3. 3 academic reviewer (n.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Formal Academic

    an expert who reads a researcher's work to decide if it is good enough to be published.

    an expert in a specific field who evaluates a manuscript to determine its suitability for publication in a journal.

    Example

    The journal sent the article to a referee for a blind review.

    Example

    The author spent three months addressing the detailed criticisms provided by the anonymous referee before the paper was finally accepted.
  4. 4 to judge a game (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

    to act as the official in a sports match.

    to perform the duties of a referee in a sporting contest or dispute.

    Example

    She was invited to referee the final match of the tournament.

    Example

    He has been refereeing professional football for over a decade, earning a reputation for his calm handling of high-pressure situations.
Origin

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.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family
  • Nounref
  • Nounreferee

Last updated June 20, 2026