noun, verb, -eed, -ee⋅ing.| 1. | one to whom something is referred, esp. for decision or settlement; arbitrator. |
| 2. | (in certain games and sports) a judge having functions fixed by the rules of the game or sport; umpire. |
| 3. | an authority who evaluates scientific, technical, or scholarly papers, grant proposals, or the like for the publication or funding institution to which they have been submitted. |
| 4. | Law. a person selected by a court to take testimony in a case and return it to the court with recommendations as to the decision. |
| 5. | to preside over as referee; act as referee in. |
| 6. | to act as referee. |
ref·e·ree (rěf'ə-rē') n.
v. tr. To judge as referee. v. intr. To act as referee. |