Added 9 October 2026
referee
/ˌɹɛf.əˈɹiː/ noun
Latin root: referre Wiktionary
noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about referee at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
-
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.
- A person who settles a dispute.
-
A person who writes a letter of reference or provides a reference by phone call for someone.
Your application, along with letters from three referees, should be received by January 31.
verb
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.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)