officiate

verb

of·​fi·​ci·​ate ə-ˈfi-shē-ˌāt 

officiated; officiating

intransitive verb

1

: to perform a ceremony, function, or duty

officiate at a wedding

2

: to act in an official capacity : act as an official (as at a sports contest)

transitive verb

1

: to carry out (an official duty or function)

2

: to serve as a leader or celebrant of (a ceremony)

3

: to administer the rules of (a game or sport) especially as a referee or umpire

officiation

ə-ˌfi-shē-ˈā-shən 

noun

Examples of officiate in a Sentence

The bishop officiated the memorial Mass.

Two referees officiated the hockey game.

Recent Examples on the Web

Dylan’s sister, Kaitlin Bauld, officiated the wedding and the couple even recited handwritten vows to each other. —Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 7 June 2024

Ferguson, who played her onscreen uncle, officiated the ceremony. —Jessica Wang, EW.com, 4 June 2024

Coming out with a 5-0 run to start the second half, Thompson continued to battle with Chenoweth as the game got tight and the officiating crew started to let the rivals play. —Timothy Dashiell, Baltimore Sun, 24 May 2024

Here's How to Style Them By Charlie Hobbs The ceremony was officiated by Jesse's brother, an unexpectedly moving touch. —Kaitlin Menza, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Apr. 2023

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin officiātus, past participle of officiāre "to perform a function, perform priestly duties," going back to Late Latin officiārī "to perform a function," derivative of Latin officium "duty, office"

First Known Use

1623, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Kids Definition

officiate

verb

of·​fi·​ci·​ate ə-ˈfish-ē-ˌāt 

officiated; officiating

1

: to perform a ceremony

officiate at a wedding

2

: to act as an officer

officiated at the annual meeting

3

: to enforce the rules of (a game or sport)

officiate a soccer match