referee

Pluralreferees

Formsreferees, refereeing, refereed

1. 1
   nouncountable

   An official who watches a game and makes sure everyone follows the rules.

   Like a teacher who watches a class game and stops anyone who breaks the rules.

   The referee blew the whistle to stop the game.

   In basketball, the referee called a foul on the tall player.

   Similarumpire, official, ref, judge

   Note
2. 2
   verbtransitive or intransitive

   To watch a game and make sure the players follow the rules.

   My uncle referees basketball games every weekend.

   She hopes to referee the final match next month.

   Similarofficiate, umpire, judge, adjudicate, ref

   Note
3. 3
   nouncountable

   A person who helps two sides end an argument fairly.

   Their mom acted as referee when the brothers argued over the TV remote.

   When my friends could not agree on the rules, I became the referee.

   Similararbiter, arbitrator, mediator, umpire, judge

4. 4
   nouncountable

   An expert who reads an article or book and decides if it should be published.

   The journal sent her article to a referee before deciding to publish it.

   The referee said the book needed more facts before it could be printed.

   Similarreviewer, reader, assessor

5. 5
   nounUKcountable

   A person who writes or speaks about you to help you get a job or a place at school.

   Her old teacher agreed to be a referee for her first job application.

   Put the names of two referees at the end of your CV.

   Similarreference, sponsor

   Note

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