Ref`er*ee" (-&?;), n. One to whom a thing is referred; a person to whom a matter in dispute has been referred, in order that he may settle it.

Syn. -- Judge; arbitrator; umpire. See Judge.

• the 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 for someone
       
• :'Your application, along with with letters from three referees, should be received by January 31.'
  
• an expert who judges the manuscript of an article or book to decide if it should be published
  
• to act as a referee
       
• 'He has to referee three hockey games this weekend.'
       
• 'She has to finish refereeing an article for Nature.'