referee

 
Pronunciation: /rɛfəˈriː/

noun

  • 1an official who watches a game or match closely to ensure that the rules are adhered to and (in some sports) to arbitrate on matters arising from the play: the referee sent off two French players
  • 2British a person willing to testify in writing about the character or ability of someone, especially an applicant for a job: the subject of a bad reference can sue the referee for libel
  • a person appointed to examine and assess for publication a scientific or other academic work: most journals send the referees' reports to the author

verb (referees, refereeing, refereed)

[with object]
  • act as the referee of: he refereed two of the first-round group matches (as noun refereeing) erratic and inconsistent refereeing