umpire

¹um·pire

noun \ˈəm-ˌpī(-ə)r\

Definition of UMPIRE

1

: one having authority to decide finally a controversy or question between parties: as

a : one appointed to decide between arbitrators who have disagreed

b : an impartial third party chosen to arbitrate disputes arising under the terms of a labor agreement

2

: an official in a sport who rules on plays

3

: a military officer who evaluates maneuvers

Examples of UMPIRE

1. <usually acts as umpire in the all-too-frequent squabbles between the two other roommates>

Origin of UMPIRE

Middle English oumpere, alteration (from misdivision of a noumpere) of noumpere, from Anglo-French nounpier, nompere, from nounpier, adjective, single, odd, from non- + per equal, from Latin par

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to UMPIRE

Synonyms

adjudicator, arbiter, arbitrator, referee, judge

Related Words

jurist, justice, magistrate; intermediary, intermediate, mediator, mediatrix, moderator, negotiator; conciliator, go-between, peacemaker, reconciler, troubleshooter; decider

²umpire

verb

um·piredum·pir·ing

Definition of UMPIRE

transitive verb

: to supervise or decide as umpire

intransitive verb

: to act as umpire

Examples of UMPIRE

1. <in our family disputes regarding the use of our home entertainment system are umpired by Dad>

First Known Use of UMPIRE

1609

Related to UMPIRE

Synonyms

adjudge, adjudicate, arbitrate, decide, determine, referee, rule (on), settle, judge

Related Words

consider, deem, deliberate, hear, ponder, weigh; size up; mediate, moderate, negotiate; prosecute, try; find (for or against); conclude, resolve; redetermine, rejudge

Near Antonyms

equivocate, hedge, pussyfoot, skirt

Rhymes with UMPIRE

attire, backfire, bemire, catch fire, cross fire, denier, desire, entire, for hire, fox fire, Greek fire, grey friar, hang fire, hellfire, live wire, on fire, prior, rimfire, sapphire, sea fire, snow tire, town crier, trip wire, watch fire, white friar