umpire

/ˌʌmˈpaɪər/

/ˈʌmpaɪə/

Other forms: umpires; umpiring; umpired

An umpire is a kind of referee, an official whose job on the baseball or softball field is enforcing the rules of the game. You might hear an umpire yell, "Strike three! You're out!"

When a conflict comes up during play, it's the umpire who mediates and ultimately makes an official decision. Umpire is also a verb, meaning to act as an umpire. The word comes from the Old French nonper or "odd number," which refers to a third person helping two others settle their differences.

Definitions of umpire

1. noun

   an official at a sporting event such as baseball, softball, or tennis
   synonyms: ump

   type of:

   official

   someone who administers the rules of a game or sport
2. noun

   someone chosen to judge and decide a disputed issue
   “an umpire was appointed to settle the tax case”

   synonyms: arbiter, arbitrator

   types:

   third party

   someone other than the principals who are involved in a transaction

   type of:

   evaluator, judge

   an authority who is able to estimate worth or quality
3. verb

   be a referee or umpire in a sports competition
   synonyms: referee

   type of:

   judge

   determine the result of (a competition)